§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what arrangements her Department has made to celebrate(a) St. Patrick's day, (b) St. George's day, (c) St. Andrew's day and (d) Her Majesty the Queen's Golden Jubilee; and how her Department celebrated St. David's day. [42294]
§ Tessa Jowell[holding answer 11 March 2002]: There are certain days of the year known as 'named days' when the Union flag must be flown from Government buildings. The days include St. David's day (in Wales), St. George's day (in England), St. Andrew's day (in Scotland) but not St. Patrick's day. In the Department for Culture, Media and Sport there are no celebrations other than raising the Union flag.
Consideration is being given to the Union flag flying protocol for the Jubilee. The Union flag will fly on Coronation Day (2 June) as this is a named day.
The Golden Jubilee Office in DCMS is supporting, facilitating and co-ordinating the overall planning for the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations. I would also refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (Mr. Yeo) on 11 February 2002, Official Report, columns 58–59W. In DCMS all staff will be given the additional public holiday on 4 June 2002 to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen's Golden Jubilee.