§ SIR THOMAS ESMONDE (Wexford, N.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he is aware that the arms represented on the Great Seal of Ireland are those of England, whereas the arms represented on the Great Seals of England and Scotland are those of those countries; and if he will take the necessary steps to have the arms of Ireland, and not those of England, represented on the Irish Great Seal.
MR. BRYCEI have referred this Question to the Lord Chancellor's Department, and am informed that prior to the Union between Great Britain and Ireland the Great Seal of Ireland was similar in general character and design to that of Great Britain, but differed from the latter by bearing the distinguishing mark of a harp crowned; and it would appear that, neither on the passing of the Act of Union nor since, has any change been made in the Great Seal of Ireland, so that this distinguishing mark still remains, although the arms which are represented on the Seal are the same. I understand that the Royal Arms cannot be altered in Ireland without a proclamation by His Majesty in Council.