§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNORI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether special campaign pensions for the Peninsular War up to the 1s. 6d. a day were awarded, irrespective of length of service, to men without sufficient means of support, and who, by reason of wounds, age, or infirmity, were unable to earn anything towards their support; and whether he will submit a Warrant giving like dis- 893 cretionary powers to the Commissioners of Chelsea Hospital in favour of Crimean veterans?
§ MR. BRODRICKSpecial provisions were granted in 1874 to the survivors of the campaigns ending in 1815. As 59 years had elapsed it was not expected that any large sum would be required; but the cost amounted to £112,440 to the present time, which was the more remarkable as enlistment had been then practically for life, so that nearly all soldiers would have earned pension in the ordinary course. Only 35 years have elapsed since the Crimean campaign, and to pension all survivors, irrespective of the length of service, would, it is calculated, cost a sum the present value of which would be £1,160,000. The Government are not prepared to recommend so extensive a grant.