§ Mr. Whitakerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department by what authority, and why, did Metropolitan police officers try to take action to remove the Union Jack, the lawful flag, 162W from flying over Rhodesia House on 12th January, 1969.
§ Mr. CallaghanI am told by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that the caretaker requested police assistance as the two men on the roof were trespassers. Following an unsuccessful attempt to persuade the men to leave the roof, no further action was taken but two policemen remained on the roof to keep observation. The men eventually descended of their own accord taking the flag with them.
No criminal offences were disclosed and no police action is contemplated.