§ MR. HANBURYI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War what is the total annual amount of the special pensions for campaigns previous to 1860 granted to veterans who had not qualified for ordinary pensions; what is the qualification for such special pensions; what was the number of qualified men on the list of applicants at Chelsea or elsewhere in September, 1892; what is the number of such qualified men who have since applied; and how many veterans are in receipt of such pensions as the present time?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANThe total annual value of special pensions awarded to soldiers who took part in campaigns prior to 1860 is £14,143. The qualification for a special pension is the possession of a medal for one of the campaigns, 10 years' service, and destitution or necessitous circumstances. In September, 1892, there were 887 qualified men on the list of applicants, of 1613 whom 490 have since been pensioned. About 340 men have since applied who appear to be qualified; but inquiries as to them are not yet complete. One thousand and forty-seven of these veterans are at present in receipt of pensions; and the Chelsea Commissioners have power to fill up certain of the vacancies as casualties take place, and to add 100 each year to the list of pensioners.