HC Deb 01 August 1898 vol 63 cc690-1
CAPTAIN DONELAN (Cork, E.)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War if he can state why the Royal Munster Fusiliers are not allowed to wear the shamrock badge (granted to them in 1881) upon their uniform; whether any other regiment possessing a special badge is prohibited from wearing it; and whether, having regard to the fact that the Royal Munster Fusiliers is the only regiment upon whom the shamrock badge has been conferred, the propriety of permitting this national emblem to be worn upon the uniform will be favourably considered?

MR. BRODRICK

I have nothing to add to my reply of Thursday last. This regiment has never been granted a right to the shamrock badge, and has never worn it.

CAPTAIN DONELAN

Is the honourable Gentleman aware that the Royal Dublin Fusiliers, who were constituted at the same time and under the same conditions, wear the two badges to which they are entitled, and cannot the same course be adopted in regard to the Royal Munster Fusiliers?

MR. BRODRICK

I do not think the honourable Gentleman quite understands. The Royal Munster Fusiliers were given the right to wear the shamrock in their colours; they have never had the badge, it was never conferred on them, they have never asked for it, and have never worn it.

CAPTAIN DONELAN

Is it not a fact that the two badges are indicated in the Army List——?

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! The honourable Gentleman is debating the answer. He has received a full answer to the Question.

CAPTAIN DONELAN

Is the objection due to the fact that the badge happens to be the shamrock——?

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!