HC Deb 11 August 1881 vol 264 c1534
MR. BIGGAR

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether the widow and children of Sergeant Magor Lunny, of A Troop, 1st Dragoon Guards, who was killed at Lang's Neck, under Major Brownlow, who has recommended these people to be assisted on account of the bravery of the late Sergeant Major, are to receive any compensation from the Military authorities?

MR. CHILDERS

In reply to the hon. Member I have to state that under a Regulation which, with the concurrence of the Treasury, I made during the present year, widows of non-commissioned officers and men who are killed or die of wounds receive a gratuity of a year's pay. Before this they could receive nothing. Mrs. Lunny will accordingly receive this gratuity, which is payable in four quarterly instalments. The subject of pensions to the widows of soldiers and sailors killed in action will be considered by Her Majesty's Government after the passing of the Patriotic Fund Bill now before Parliament.

MR. HEALY

Will this Regulation be retrospective?

MR. CHILDERS

That is a delicate question, which I would rather not answer off-hand.