§ MAJOR RASCH (Essex, S.E.)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether he will take the case of the widow of the late General Budd, 14th Regiment, into consideration with regard to pension; whether he is aware that the pension has been refused on technical grounds only, the marriage having taken place 28 days after the completion of 83 General Budd's 60th year; and whether he is aware that the widow of this General Officer is totally destitute and homeless?
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. J. POWELL WILLLIAMS,) Birmingham, S.The line of eligibility for these pensions must be drawn somewhere, and this lady has the misfortune to be on the wrong side of it. The present rule has held at least since 1830. I may add that Mrs. Budd has received grants from the Royal Bounty and from the Relief Fund.
§ MAJOR RASCHIs the honourable Gentleman aware that the grants only amounted to £125, and that they were made some years ago?
MR. POWELL WILLIAMSYes, but Mrs. Budd has had the full amount which is allowed under the regulations governing the funds.