HC Deb 21 November 1966 vol 736 c924
18. Mr. G. Campbell

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works how much money would be saved by retaining in position all the year round the flag poles in the Mall and elsewhere in London which are used on the occasion of state visits.

Mr. Boyden

Very little; but cost is not the only consideration.

Mr. Campbell

Would the hon. Gentleman explore ways of saving unnecessary expenditure of this kind where there is no serious adverse effect on amenity?

Mr. Boyden

I suspect that the hon. Gentleman would agree that the sight of poles left up for long periods when there were no public ceremonies would become very irritating. When State visits are close together the poles are left up, but when there are none in prospect, they are taken down.