HC Deb 14 October 1968 vol 770 cc28-9
42. Mr. John Page

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will alter the present regulations whereby the Union flag is flown on Embassy and similar buildings abroad on only 14 days of the year, so that in future it will be flown every day unless there are special reasons for not doing so on certain occasions.

Mr. Mulley

No, Sir. Our practice in foreign countries follows the practice in respect of Government offices in the United Kingdom. By flying the flag every day it would be impossible to distinguish the special British occasions of celebration.

Her Majesty's representatives abroad also have discretion to fly their flags in accordance with the usage of the host country on such occasions as local official celebration or mourning. Such courtesies could not be shown if flags were flown permanently over Her Majesty's premises.

Mr. Page

That Answer is not good enough. This approach is extremely old-fashioned. The Stars and Stripes flies over the American Embassy every day of the year, with one or two exceptions. The flag is a welcome and friendly sight to visitors and tourists abroad. Will the Minister discuss with his right hon. Friend as a matter of importance that this should be changed now?

Mr. Mulley

I cannot give the hon. Gentleman any undertaking, but I think that he has a good point and that, particularly with the merger of the Foreign and Commonwealth Offices later this week, this is a matter we could well review to see what the practice is in different parts of the world and take into account the hon. Gentleman's point.