asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish in the Official Report the number of times temporary flag poles were erected in Parliament Square in each of the last five years, and at what cost; and whether he will consider placing the flag poles in Parliament Square on a permanent basis.

Flag poles were erected in Parliament Square at the following frequencies and costs from 1977 to 1981.

	Occasions	£
1977	4	5,006
1978	5	6,451
1979	3	9,400
1980	3	9,000
1981	2	6,400

I have considered leaving the flag poles permanently in position but my investigations showed that the cost of initial purchase, maintenance and replacement would be greater than our present practice of hiring. Additionally, the poles when flagless would be unsightly.