§ MR. J. ROSS (Londonderry)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty, whether his attention has been called to the case of Edward Holmes, late of the Coastguards, for 20 years in the service, and a man of good character, who refused his pension of £26 per annum, pending an appeal to the Lords of the Admiralty against his dismissal on the ground that he had not been afforded an opportunity of explanation; will he explain, on what ground this man was dismissed; and, whether he is aware that the man and his family are now in Londonderry in a state of extreme destitution?
§ MR. ROBERTSONMy attention was called to this case by the hon. Member, and after due inquiry I informed him that there seemed no reason for re-opening the case, which had been already thoroughly considered by the Admiralty. Holmes was reported by a Court of Inquiry to have been guilty of several acts of breach of discipline and neglect of duty. The Superintendent of Naval Reserves, after careful consideration of the whole case, decided to deprive him of his good conduct badges, and ordered him to apply for his pension. I have no knowledge as to the man having refused his pension, nor as to his being in a state of destitution. If this latter be the case, it is his own fault for not taking the pension.
§ MR. ROBERTSONOf course. He is entitled to it.