§ MR. SEXTON(for Mr. WILLIAM O'BRIEN,) Cork, N.E.I beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office if his attention has been directed to the case of Mr. John M'Grath, formerly of the 1st Battalion 18th Royal Irish, who after serving twenty-one years and one hundred and ninety-four days, including the Russian and Indian Mutiny Campaigns, and receiving two good conduct badges, the Crimean medal with clasp for Sebastopol, and the Turkish medal, was discharged on the 25th April, 1876, on a pension of tenpence a day; and whether, having regard to the fact that M'Grath is now disabled by old age and want of employment from augmenting this small sum, and is disqualified for Chelsea Hospital by reason of his pension, and having regard to the effect of such cases in discouraging recruiting, means will be taken to give M'Grath some increase of pension in recognition of his long and gallant service?
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, WAR OFFICE (Mr. BRODRICK,) Surrey, GuildfordJohn M'Grath since 1876 has been in receipt of the highest pension which could be awarded to him under the Royal Warrant. The possession of this does not disqualify him from admission to Chelsea or Kilmainham, and he would be almost certain to be admitted if he applied. I am afraid nothing can be done towards increasing the amount of the pension.
§ MR. SEXTONHe may be admitted if he applies?
§ MR. BRODRICKSo far as I am aware, but of course it is a question for the Commissioners to decide.