Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what arrangements were made to fly the Union flag on the Department of Agriculture (Northern Ireland) buildings at the Mall, Armagh, on the date of Her Majesty's official birthday; whether the Union flag was flown on that day; whether the person responsible for372W flying the Union flag at these premises had been advised of the appropriate dates to fly the Union flag; and what further arrangements are being made to ensure that advice as to the matter is being implemented.
§ Mr. ViggersI regret that the Union flag was not flown on the Department of Agriculture drainage office in the Mall, West, Armagh, on the occasion of Her Majesty's official birthday on 11 June 1988. The Department of Agriculture advises staff in writing each year of all days which the Union flag is to be flown. The date appointed for the official celebration of Her Majesty's birthday, which is variable, is subsequently confirmed by telephone. It appears that this latter advice was not received in the Armagh office in respect of Her Majesty's official birthday. Arrangements have now been made for the date to be confirmed in writing each year.