§ MR. J. ROWLANDS (Finsbury, E.)I beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether his attention has been called to the report of a coroner's inquest upon Charles Guyett, who had served in the Crimea; and whether the War Office will give the claims of the Crimean soldiers serious consideration?
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. WOODALL, Hanley)The pensioner referred to was discharged in 1855 on a pension of 9d. per day, which he held for 38 years. He had only six years' service; and his pension was given because he had been severely wounded. He does not appear to have applied for an increase of pension on the ground of increased disability to earn a livelihood, nor for admission as an in-pensioner of Chelsea Hospital, for which he was eligible. Serious consideration has been given already to the claims both of Crimean and Indian pensioners, and a large number of those who have 10 years' service have been put on special pension.
§ MR. HANBURY (Preston)I should like to ask, as a matter of fact, what the War Office is doing in regard to these Indian and Crimean veterans? Are fresh pensions being granted?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANPensions are being granted as vacancies arise.
§ MR. HANBURYWhat is the number; I understood it was to be extended?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANThe hon. Member is referring to what are called "compassionate pensions." I do not know what the exact number is, but it has been extended within the last year. They are granted in perpetuity, and as vacancies arise they are filled up.
§ MR. MACFARLANE (Argyll)Is there not any fund like the Patriotic Fund from which the pensions could be supplemented in particular cases?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANThere is not. It cannot be done from the Patriotic Fund, as that was created for a definite and special purpose, not for the pensioning of soldiers, but to meet the claims of the widows and orphans.