Agenda item

a) Dr Peter Hardwick asked the Chief Commoner about the instructions regarding the flying of flags from the Guildhall.

In response, the Chief Commoner reported that guidance was given to all public buildings by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport as to the days on which flags should be flown at Guildhall. Discretion was given to fly the Union Flag each day and there were certain days, fixed flying days, when the Union Flag should be flown. Currently there were 18 of these fixed flying days in England including St. George’s Day, Her Majesty The Queen’s birthday and Remembrance Day. He added that it was usual practice for the City’s flag to be flown on days that were not fixed flying days.

In response to a supplementary question from Dr Hardwick, the Chief Commoner confirmed that he would enquire about the viability of having a second flag pole to allow the flying of the St George’s flag on St George’s Day and would report back to the Member concerned. He noted the possibility of the City of London branch of the Society of St George defraying the cost of any additional flagpole. 

In response to a further question from Deputy Lord the Chief Commoner confirmed that the proposals under the Guildhall Area Strategy to have an additional three flagpoles may provide an opportunity for the St George’s flag to be flown on fixed flying days.