HC Deb 11 May 1972 vol 836 cc427-8W
Mr. Marten

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will arrange to fly Commonwealth flags in Parliament Square to celebrate Commonwealth Day for a similar period of time as the European flags are being flown.

Mr. Kershaw:

Flags of all Commonwealth countries are customarily flown down the Horse Guards approach roads on Commonwealth Day, the same day as Her Majesty The Queen celebrates Her Official Birthday, and on which the Trooping of the Colour takes place.

They are also flown on the Saturday preceding Commonwealth Day on which the Trooping of the Colour is rehearsed. But I will certainly consider my hon. Friend's suggestion and will write to him when I have done so.