§ 12. Mr. Jacques ArnoldTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on what occasions (a) the Union flag is flown over RUC stations and (b) the tricolour is flown at the Garda Siochana stations in the Republic. [26386]
§ Sir John WheelerThe Union flag is flown over RUC stations on 19 prescribed occasions. I have written to the hon. Member listing those occasions. In addition, the Union flag is flown on any occasion directed by the Chief Constable, the last such occasion being 9 June 1994, at the time of the Chinook helicopter crash on the Mull of Kintyre.
I understand that the Irish national flag is flown over Gardai stations on certain national days and throughout the year over Gardai headquarters, Dublin. Otherwise, the decision to fly the flag is at the discretion of local commanders.
§ Mr. ArnoldHas my right hon. Friend received any request for the European Union flag to be flown over those stations?
§ Sir John WheelerI am happy to tell my hon. Friend that no such request has been received. Were such a request to be received, I would of course consider it with great care.