HC Deb 17 February 1997 vol 290 cc411-2W
Mr. John D. Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland for what reasons the Union flag was not flown at the Department of Agriculture, the Mall, Armagh city on 6 February; if a Union flag has been provided for this public building; if a schedule of dates for flying the Union flag has been advised to the staff; if the person responsible was prepared to carry out this duty; and if he will make a statement. [15573]

Mr. Ancram

I regret that the Union flag was not flown on the day of Her Majesty's accession. This building was completely refurbished recently and reoccupied by new staff who were unable to trace the original flag which had been moved to another location. A flag has been ordered, a list of dates for flying the flag provided and arrangements are now in place to have a person responsible for carrying out this duty.

Mr. Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland for what reasons the Union flag was not flown at the Department of Agriculture, 2 Newry road, Armagh city on 6 February; if a Union flag has been provided for this public building; if the schedule of dates for flying the Union flag has been advised to the staff; if the person responsible was prepared to carry out this duty; and if he will make a statement. [15572]

Mr. Ancram

I regret that the Union flag was not flown on the day of Her Majesty's accession due to an oversight. A Union flag is available for the building and a list of dates had been advised. The person responsible is prepared to carry out the duty and steps have been taken to ensure that the mistake is not repeated.