§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to support Doncaster being awarded city status; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HowardIn England, Wales and Northern Ireland the title of city is an honour conferred by the sovereign, by letters patent, on the recommendation of the Home Secretary. The title is nowadays a very rare distinction, granted only in exceptional circumstances and usually in connection with a royal occasion. Any application for city status on behalf of Doncaster would be considered in the usual way.