MR. H. ROBERTS (Denbighshire, W.)I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether his attention has been called to the case of Edward Thomas, rural postman in the Eglwyseg district, Denbighshire, who, after 20 years' service, has recently met with an accident whilst on duty which totally disabled him for further work; whether he is aware that owing to a technical difficulty the usual pension has been refused to him by the Lords of the Treasury; and whether, under the special circumstances of the case, he will use his influence to obtain a relaxation of the strict terms of the Superannuation Act with the view to securing a pension or an adequate provision for the person referred to?
§ MR. A. MORLEYThe case of Edward Thomas has been brought under my notice, and all the facts have been reported to the Lords of the Treasury, who, while regretting that Thomas's service did not entitle him to the benefits of the Superannuation Acts, have been pleased to sanction the payment to him of a special gratuity of £15 from 1254 the Compassionate Fund at their disposal. Under these circumstances, I am sorry to say, in reply to the hon. Member's question, that I can hold out no hope of obtaining more favourable treatment for Thomas.