§ MR. BIGGARasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether Sergeant John Beatty served in Her Majesty's 27th Regiment of Foot for twenty-one years and eight months, and never found a defaulter in any way for want of proper 783 conduct as a soldier, or any mental faculties; whether the then Secretary of State for War stopped 1s. 6d.per day of said John Beatty's pension, to pay for caring him as a lunatic; and, if so stopped, by whoso report, either a medical officer or otherwise, as the said John Beatty declares he never was interviewed by any person in authority to do so?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONSir, I rather regret that the hon. Member has not revised the phraseology of his Question, the grammar of which, it seems to me, is somewhat peculiar. In reference to the facts, I have to state that the transaction referred to occurred 30 years ago. The Secretary of State for War at that time had satisfactory proof that Sergeant Beatty was unable to take care of himself, and for about five years and a-half 1s. 6d.of his pension was paid to his sister, with whom he lived, and by whom he was taken care of. The case cannot be re-opened, after so long a lapse of time.