HC Deb 04 January 1894 vol 20 c812
COLONEL LOCKWOOD (Essex, Epping)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War what is being done for the workman Kiff, who was injured for life last March by the explosion of a boiler at Quinton Hill, Waltham Abbey; whether this man was granted an allowance at first by the Government, which was afterwards discontinued, he being informed that his case was then under consideration; and if he is aware that Kiff is absolutely penniless and almost starving, and in consequence has been forced to apply to the Board of Guardians for help, the Government having done nothing for him up to the present?

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. WOODALL,) Hanley

(who replied) said: The injured man Kiff was a contractor's labourer; he was not in Government employment; he was not injured in the performance of duty, nor was the accident attributable to the negligence of any Government employé. But, in the circumstances, the Treasury have awarded to Kiff four months' wages and a gratuity of £50, together £70, the balance of which amount was paid to him last week. Pending the Treasury decision, advances were made weekly for several months to the injured man.

COLONEL LOCKWOOD

I beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he can now state what sums will be received by the relatives of the various men killed in the late explosion?

MR. WOODALL

Approximately, and subject to Treasury approval, the Regulations will admit of the following awards, but later information may possibly modify some of the amounts: The widow of Henry Massey a pension of £10 a year and a gratuity of £15 for her child; the widow of William Rudkin a gratuity of about £30; the mother of Benjamin Hare a gratuity of about £26.