§ Lord Inglewoodasked Her Majesty's Government:
What are the rules relating to the flying of flags on buildings managed by English and Scottish Heritage; and whether those buildings in England can fly the St George's Cross in the way that those in Scotland fly the St Andrew's Saltire. [HL708]
§ The Minister of State, Department for Culture, Media and Sport (Baroness Blackstone)In England there are currently 21 appointed days each year when it is required, by command of Her Majesty the Queen, that government buildings fly the Union Flag. The St George's Cross may be flown in conjunction with the Union flag on 23 April each year. English Heritage sites fall outside the definition of government buildings and they can fly flags whenever they wish. However, they choose to follow the government rules on flag flying and fly flags on the appointed days.
62WAIn Scotland the Scottish Executive issues a list of flag flying days that closely mirror the English guidelines. These rules apply to buildings of the Scottish Executive and its agencies. Historic Scotland choose to follow the Scottish Executive guidelines but with a special dispensation to fly both its own house flag and the Saltire on other days.