MR. PATRICK O'BRIENI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been directed to the case of James Devitt, who served as a non-commissioned officer 15½ years, mostly in the East Indies, in the 50th Regiment, from which he was discharged for debility, with good conduct certificates; whether he is aware that the only pension given Devitt was 6d. per day for three years, now expired; and whether, considering his long service and good conduct, and the fact that he lost his health in the Service, and is now 80 years of age, he will grant him a pension sufficient to enable him to live without becoming chargeable on the poor rates of the Clones Union, County Monaghan?
§ MR. E. STANHOPEInquiry is being made as to the circumstances of Devitt's discharge, but his conduct has been such 1132 as to render it doubtful whether anything can be done in the case.
In answer to a further question by Mr. P. O'BRIEN,
§ MR. E. STANHOPE saidI think it would be unfair to an old soldier to tell the public what the circumstances are connected with his conduct.