HC Deb 28 February 1898 vol 54 c148
MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the unpleasant occurrences of past years arising out of soldiers wearing shamrock on St. Patrick's Day contrary to Military regulations, it is intended to issue instructions to officers to permit Irishmen in the Army to wear, without risk of punishment, the shamrock on the coming St. Patrick's Day if they so desire?

MR. BRODRICK

In view of what has occurred in past years, a Queen's regulation has been approved to the effect that no officer or soldier may wear any unauthorised badge or emblem unless "expressly permitted by his superior to do so." All soldiers will, therefore, be aware that they must apply to their superior officer for permission.