§ CAPTAIN NORTONI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether it 1665 has been brought to his notice that Egbert Pethurst, late first-class sorter, Inland Section, G.P.O., who, after 26 years and eight months' service with exemplary conduct, was obliged to retire through ill-health, has been awarded only £50 per annum, whereas he is entitled to £72 6s. 8d.; and, whether he will see that this officer's case is favourably re-considered?
§ MR. HANBURYIt is a fact that Pethurst has been pensioned, and that the pension awarded to him was much less than it might have been, having regard to his service; Pethurst's attendance during his service was very irregular, and in the opinion of the Medical Officer of the Department the ill-health which led to his retirement was due to causes within his own control. In such a case it is the practice to make a deduction from the amount of the pension, and in the circumstances the Postmaster General sees no reason to ask the Treasury to reconsider their decision.