§ SIR EDWARD WATKINasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether compensation has been made, as promised 257 last year in the House by the Secretary of State for War, to Gunner Charlton of Topsham Barracks, Exeter, crippled for life by frost-bite while undergoing solitary confinement as a prisoner at Millbank Prison; and, if so, what was the amount of the compensation in annual pension or fixed gratuity?
MR. GATHORNE HARDYSir, I cannot quite admit the correctness of the Question of the hon. Member. Gunner Charlton cannot be pensioned until discharged; and he is still in hospital at Exeter, where he will remain until less inclement weather admits of his being sent before a Discharging Board at Devonport. His case has been laid before the Chelsea Board, with a strong recommendation from me, in accordance with what I alone promised—namely, "without entering into the merits of the case, I would recommend that something should be done for the man after leaving the hospital." The Secretary of State is not empowered to order or promise compensation in such a case.