HC Deb 22 June 1893 vol 13 cc1648-9
DR. FARQUHARSON (Aberdeenshire, W.)

I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been directed to the case of Alexander Fraser, who has been for upwards of 53 years road foreman in the service of the County of Aberdeen at Peter Culter, and performed his duties with conscientious fidelity on a weekly wage of a little under £1 a week; whether he is aware that Fraser has now been compelled, at the age of 83, to retire on account of serious illness, which renders him unable to support himself and his wife, and that, after repeated applications, he has been refused any assistance in the shape of grant or pension by the County Authorities; and whether anything can be done to save this old couple from ending their days in the workhouse?

* THE SECRETARY FOR SCOTLAND (Sir G. TREVELYAN,) Glasgow, Bridgeton

My attention was directed to the case referred to by a private gentleman, and I informed my correspondent that upon his statement of the facts it would seem a suitable case for any assistance that could properly be granted. The matter is one for the County Council to decide, and I have no power of interfering; but I have written to communicate with them on the matter and ask whether they have any remarks to make.