HC Deb 24 February 1896 vol 37 cc913-4
MR. M. McCARTAN (Down, S.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, with reference to the case of a pensioner named Edward Kenney, now residing in Poitiers, France, who, having served 21 years and 8 months in the Worcestershire Regiment, including active service in the Indian Mutiny and a long service in the Colonies, was discharged on life pension in October, 1878, whether he has been refused continuance of his pension because he is residing in France? And, whether he will make inquiry into the matter, with the view of having his pension continued to him now in his old age?

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. BRODRICK,) Surrey, Guildford

This man has not been refused his pension, though it appears that he has not applied for the amount due last quarter. As he is over 50 years of age residence abroad does not disqualify him for its receipt. He should apply in the usual course to his paymaster.

MR. J. P. FARRELL (Cavan, W.)

I beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office, if he is aware that, on 10th December, 1859, Joseph Deniston enlisted in the 1st Battalion 10th Foot Regiment; that he served for a period of five years and a-half with his regiment in South Africa, where he contracted articular rheumatism, as certified by the late Dr. Atkinson, of Longford; that he received for 15 months after his discharge a pension of 6d. a day, which was then stopped, and has not since been renewed; that in consequence of the disease contracted in the service, he is now unable to work to support a family of seven persons, and that consequently he is in great misery and distress; and will the Military authorities consider his case, with a view to giving him the pension due to him?

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. J. POWELL-WILLIAMS,) Birmingham, S.

This case will be referred to the Commissioners of Chelsea Hospital.

MR. T. W. LEGH (Lancashire, Newton)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether any compensation will be given to the mother of Lieutenant Wroughton, who lost his life in the collision between French and English troops at Waima, West Africa, on 23rd December 1893; and if it is the case that the recipient of a pension from the India Office is thereby rendered ineligible for the receipt of any pension or compensation from Army Funds?

MR. BRODRICK

As Mrs. Wroughton is already in receipt of a pension as the widow of an officer she is ineligible for any pension for the loss of her son. She appears to be further disqualified by not having been mainly dependent upon her son for support. It is not the case that the recipient of a pension from the India Office would necessarily be ineligible for a pension from Army Funds.