§ COLONEL O'BEIRNEasked the Secretary of State for War, If, recently, a Circular has been forwarded to any of the Pay Offices in the Dublin District, to the effect that any applications from Irish Pensioners to obtain any of the money gratuities derivable from the Woodman Fund are at present not to be entertained; if such a Circular has been issued; and, is it with the sanction of the Commander in Chief of the Forces?
§ SIR ARTHUR HAYTERIn the absence of the noble Lord the Secretary of State for War, I regret to say through indisposition, perhaps I may be allowed to answer the hon. and gallant Gentleman the Member for Leitrim. Assuming that the charity referred to is the Woodman's Trust, I have to say that the only Circular sent out has been a general statement to the effect that from the low condition of the fund no applications for assistance can at present be received. This applied equally to Irish and all other pensioners. I may add that more than half of those relieved by this charity are Irish.