§ SIR THOMAS LEA (Londonderry, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he will cause Circulars to be sent to the Irish Constabulary instructing them that the Union Jack is in no sense a Party emblem, and its use does not come under the Act (6 & 7 Will. 4, c. 38) with reference to the mistake made in the City of Londonderry?
MR. T. M. HEALYI should, at the same time, like to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he has obtained the written opinion of the Law Officers of the Crown on the subject; and whether it is their opinion that the display of flags on public-houses is not illegal, unless in connection with the existence of some secret society or illegal association?
MR. J. MORLEYI shall be in a position on Monday to give the exact opinion of the Law Officers of the Crown. The subject of the construction of the sections of the Act of William IV. is under consideration. I have no intention of sending a Circular at present to the police.