§ Lord Marlesfordasked the Chairman of Committees:
How frequently the Union Flag which flies above Victoria Tower is renewed; what is the current cost of renewal; and whether a system could he adopted similar to that in the Congress of the United States of America, whereby the flag being replaced could be purchased by members of either House of Parliament as often as there was a demand for it.
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§ The Chairman of Committees (Lord Boston of Faversham)The flag is replaced only when it becomes either very faded or is damaged beyond repair by the wind. There are two sizes of flag: the flag for winter flying costs £423 and the flag for summer flying costs £779.
I understand that the flag that flies above the American Congress is replaced daily. A similar scheme in respect of the flag that flies above Victoria Tower could only be introduced in conjunction with the House of Commons.