George Eustice MP joined with Cornish colleagues, Andrew George, Sheryll Murray and Sarah Newton along with the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles, to raise the black and white St Piran's flag outside the department's building in Victoria.
St Piran is said to have come to Cornwall from Ireland in the 14th Century. He is the patron saint of tin-miners and of Cornwall.
George also attended a St Piran's day celebration, hosted by Dan Rogerson MP, where all those that work in the Houses of Parliament were invited to come and sample the newly protected Cornish pasty, traditional Cornish Ales, and to learn about the Duchy's heritage, language and culture.
Culture Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, also mentioned the occasion in Parliament, commenting, “I have great pleasure in wishing [Cornish] constituents a happy St Piran's day. I was in South East Cornwall on holiday the weekend before last, and the highlight of that weekend was an absolutely delicious Cornish pasty.”