§ COLONEL O'BEIRNEasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether Sergeant Major Patrick Walsh, 8th Battalion Rifle Brigade, was recommended for £20 a-year annuity, for highly-meritorious conduct and long service, by Lieutenant Colonel Gore, commanding 2nd Battalion 3rd Foot, 25th May, 1865, name noted in Military Secretary's Office 27th June 1865, and likewise strongly recommended for £20 a-year annuity by Colonel Pearson, 2nd Battalion "The Buffs," on 22nd December 1867; whether this Non-Commissioned 1683 Officer was strongly recommended for the appointment of Quartermaster in the Militia in the year 1877, and noted for the appointment in the Adjutant General's Office, but was subsequently declared ineligible, in consequence of a recent Order of the War Office limiting those appointments to Non-Commissioned Officers serving in Regiments of the Line; and, if he can hold out any hope of a reconsideration of Sergeant Major Patrick Walsh's case, and this Non-Commissioned Officer obtaining the annuity of £20 a-year?
§ SIR ARTHUR HAYTERMy hon. and gallant Friend will, perhaps, allow me to answer his Question since, it relates to the annuity of a non-commissioned officer. The recommendations and notings on this non-commissioned officer's behalf were made as stated in the early part of the hon. and gallant Gentleman's Question. It is not now usual to award annuities of more than £ 15, and the amount allotted to men from each regiment is strictly limited. In 1881 Sergeant Major Patrick Walsh was granted an annuity of £10 a-year. and he is noted for an increase to £15 when a suitable opportunity occurs. As, however, he has no service in the field, one of the elements for consideration in awarding these pensions, there are many sergeants whose claims are stronger for the increased pension than his. In reply to the latter part of the Question, I have to say that Sergeant Major Walsh is not eligible for an appointment as Quartermaster, not being a non-commissioned officer serving on his Army engagement with the Militia.