§ MR. KEARLEY (Devonport)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he has considered the case of Samuel Harris, who in 1869, whilst serving in the Navy, met with an accident, and was invalided with 6d. a day pension for life, which, after enjoying uninterruptedly for 23 years, was suspended by Admiralty Letter, dated 30th September last, for having received the pension whilst in Government employment; whether he is aware that until 773 1885 Harris was in the employment of the contractor for repairs at Key ham Dockyard, and that in that year, in consequence of the Government having decided to set up their own works department, he was transferred with others to their employment under the arrangements made with the contractor at that time; and whether, under the exceptional circumstances of the case, the Admiralty will pay him his arrears of pension, and allow him to continue to draw it in the future?
§ MR. E. ROBERTSONThe facts are as stated by the hon. Member. The Regulations preclude Harris, while employed in the Dockyard, from receiving a pension which was granted to him because he could not continue to serve in the Navy. The whole question of the suspension of these disability pensions is under review, and Harris's case will be dealt with in accordance with the decision which may be arrived at on the general question.