§ Mr. Keelingasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether permission can now be given to the Merchant Navy to fly the Union Jack forward in addition to the Red Ensign aft.
Mr. DugdaleMy noble Friend has given this matter the fullest consideration in the light of representations received from the Honourable Company of Master Mariners and the Officers (Merchant Navy) Federation, and in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport, but regrets that he is unable to depart from the conclusion conveyed in my reply to the hon. Member's Question on 23rd October last. The enactment which has the effect of limiting the right to fly the Union Jack afloat to His Majesty's ships reflects a traditional honour enjoyed by the Royal Navy for some 300 years. The Merchant Navy flies a flag which incorporates the Union and of which they are justly proud. Were it otherwise, I am sure that the Royal Navy would wish to share their valued privilege with the Merchant Navy, with which it has so many bonds arising out of common service to the country. In existing circumstances, however, my noble Friend does not consider that there is reason to change our present practice.