Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the reason for the removal of the flagpole from the Government building at 2 Newry road, Armagh city; what proposals there are for its replacement; and what arrangements are in place to fly the Union flag at these Government buildings on appropriate dates. [21194]
§ Mr. MossAn inspection of the flagpole found it to be rotten and it was removed immediately for health and safety reasons. A replacement flagpole is on order and will be wall mounted on arrival. The Union flag will then be flown on appropriate dates.
Mr. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what arrangements he has made to fly the Union flag on Government buildings on St. Patrick's day; and if the five education area boards and four health area boards have been made similar arrangements. [21225]
§ Sir John WheelerEach year, all Northern Ireland Government Departments are informed of the prescribed dates on which the Union flag should be flown; the list includes St. Patrick's day. These instructions apply only to central Government office buildings, that is, those buildings, irrespective of ownership, where the civil service is the major occupant. There is no requirement for health and social services boards, health trusts or education and library boards to fly the Union flag on these dates, although they are notified of the dates, should they wish to do so.