§ 14. Mr. HUNTasked whether in view of the fact that Irish soldiers are allowed to wear the shamrock on St. Patrick's day, he can say whether English soldiers are allowed to wear the rose on St. George's day?
§ Colonel SEELYUnder paragraph 1692 King's Regulations special emblems may be worn on the head-dress on anniversaries provided authority has been obtained. The Northumberland Fusiliers are permitted to wear the rose on St. George's day. No other regiments have asked for permission to do so.
§ Mr. HUNTWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether English soldiers have leave from him to wear the rose on St. George's day?
§ Colonel SEELYI have already said that we have received no applications from 1796 regiments for permission to wear the rose on St. George's Day, except in the case of the Northumberland Fusiliers, who, for a long time, have made a practice of wearing it with the full consent of the War Office.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHIs it not a fact that every Irish soldier knows on what date St. Patrick's Day falls, but not even the hon. Member for the Ludlow Division knows on what date St. George's Day falls?
§ Viscount CASTLEREAGHWill the right, hon. Gentleman say in what form permission is given, whether it is in the Orders, or is it given to individuals?
§ Colonel SEELYOf course, if permission was asked for, it would be for the regiment as a whole, but no case has arisen in recent years.
§ Sir J. D. REESWould Welsh Regiments be given leave to wear the daffodil?