§ CAPTAIN M'CALMONT (Antrim, E.)asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether a Petition has been received by the Commissioners of Chelsea Hospital from a number of pensioners living at Callan, county Kilkenny, praying for an increase of pension on the grounds that they are prohibited, by order of the National League, from obtaining Civil employment; and, if so, what steps it is proposed to take in order to prevent these loyal and well disposed persons and their families from becoming destitute?
THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN) (Sterling,&c.)Such a Memorial has been received by the Commissioners of Chelsea Hospital. I must remind the hon. Gentleman that the Commissioners can only award pensions for military service. As regards the peculiar grounds for being assisted which are stated in the Question, Army pensioners are not on any different footing from other subjects of Her Majesty.