HC Deb 16 April 1896 vol 39 cc1007-8
MR. J. P. FARRELL (Cavan, W.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether he is aware that, on 19th June 1893, in reply to a Question put by Mr. Bodkin, the then Chief Secretary for Ireland promised to have the case of Thomas Butler, formerly a policeman of County Cork, but who was discharged in consequence of gunshot injuries inflicted on him by a fellow constable, inquired into, with a view to increasing the pension of £10 18s. 4d. to £21; whether Dr. Gordon was sent to inquire into this man's case, and what was his report; and whether, in view of the fact that he suffers a good deal as a consequence of his injuries and has to be frequently medically treated, the Government will consent to the sum of £21 being allowed to him?

*THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. GERALD BALFOUR,) Leeds Central

Inquiry was made into this case as promised by my predecessor, and the Surgeon of the Force visited and medically examined the man. The Surgeon's report is a confidential document, and its contents cannot be disclosed. Butler's case was brought by my predecessor under the consideration of the Treasury, who stated that the pension awarded to him was the highest they could properly sanction to a constable of his pay and service, and that they were unable to sanction any increase in the amount.