§ 42. Mr. Kaufmanasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what criteria govern the lowering 37 to half-mast of the Union Jack over United Kingdom diplomatic missions in the capitals of foreign countries on the occasion of the funeral of a foreign head of state or head of government.
§ Mr. GodberThe flying of flags at half-mast is a matter for The Queen's Pleasure, and appropriate instructions to do so are given under Command of Her Majesty in each case as it arises.
§ Mr. KaufmanCan the right hon. Gentleman explain, therefore, why it was decided that the Union Jack should be lowered to half-mast in Jerusalem on the day of President Nasser's funeral? Would he not agree that although President Nasser's death was greeted with widespread regret in this country, it inevitably aroused more mixed feelings in Israel; and that this action was an act of insensitivity on a par with the Foreign Secretary's speech at Harrogate?
§ Mr. GodberNo, Sir. I would not accept it as insensitivity. Her Majesty's local representative must have discretion in regard to local usage, and in this case the Consul-General flew the flag at half-mast because he judged that not to do so would give offence to a large proportion of the population, if not to all.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. If this is a question of the Prerogative, should the Question have been asked?
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. I understood that the Minister accepted responsibility by answering.