Union Jack

Mr. Chope: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if the Government will introduce legislation to ensure that it is always lawful to display the Union Jack. [68049]

Ms Rosie Winterton: The Government see no need to introduce such legislation. There are no restrictions under the general law on the display of the Union Flag on land in England and Wales other than those imposed by the provisions of the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 and the Trade Marks Act 1994, which relate to the reproduction of flags in trade marks. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport issues guidance, in consultation with the Lord Chamberlain's Office, as to the days The Queen has approved for flags to be flown from Government buildings.

British ships are entitled to fly the Red Ensign, which includes a Union Flag in the corner. This is internationally recognised at sea as the flag of a British ship.

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