§ MR. FRASER-MACKINTOSH (Inverness-shire)asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether he will explain why No. 16,978, Bombardier Allan Smith, No. 3 Battery, 1st Division, Depot Brigade, Royal Artillery, now residing in Abernethy, Inverness-shire, was discharged, without pension, on the 6th of April, 1866, after serving several years over his first limited engagement; why he did not get the full benefit of the Field Marshal Commanding-in Chief's decision in his case, involving reparation for his imprisonment and other legal wrongs; and whether he will now consent to Smith being supplied, at his own cost, with copies of the documents bearing on his case, but hitherto withheld?
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, WAR DEPARTMENT (Mr. BRODRICK) (Surrey, Guildford)(who replied) said: Smith, the man referred to, was discharged, in 1866, as a time-expired man after a length of service which did not entitle him to a pension, except a deferred one from the age of 50. This was actually granted to him last year. He did receive such benefit as could be given from the Commander-in-Chief a decision; but he refused to continue in the Service, and claimed promotion which, if he had continued in the Service, he might have obtained. The case was fully considered by Viscount Card-well, and the Secretary of State is not prepared to re-open it after so many years have elapsed.