The VICE-CHAMBERLAIN of the HOUSEHOLD (Mr. W. Dudley Ward) reported His Majesty's Answer to the Address as followeth:—

"I have received with great satisfaction the loyal and dutiful expression of your thanks for the Speech with which I have opened the present Session of Parliament.

"I rejoice to be assured that you are prepared to confirm the Articles of Agreement signed by My Ministers and the Irish Delegation; and I pray that this Agreement may speedily accomplish the complete reconciliation of the peoples of Great Britain and Ireland."