Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps have been taken to provide a Union flag for the premises of the Department of Agriculture at 2 Newry road, Armagh; what arrangements have been made to fly the Union flag at these Government premises on the designated dates; why it was not flown on 1 January; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AncramA Union flag is available at the premises of the Department of Agriculture at 2 Newry road, Armagh, for use on designated dates.
The Union flag is normally flown at the premises on designated dates, although I regret that it was not flown on Saturday 1 January 1994 as no staff were available on that day to carry out the task.
In future, when the designated date falls on a weekend or a public holiday the Union flag will be raised on the afternoon of the last working day prior to the designated date and lowered on the morning of the next working day.