§ MR. J. P. FARRELLI beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that Joseph Denniston, formerly of the 10th Foot, who was discharged as phthisical patient so far back as 1864, is in a state of great destitution at Longford; whether he is aware that the disease he suffers from is chronic rheumatism contracted whilst serving in South Africa; whether no pension has been granted to him since 1866; and, in view of all the facts, will a gratuity be now granted to him to aid him in his old age?
MR. POWELL-WILLIAMSI can only repeat what I said on this matter on the 26th March, 1897. I have seen the medical discharge certificate of Joseph Denniston. It shows that he was discharged in 1865, after five years and 166 days' service, on account of chronic rheumatism and phthisical tendency not caused by service. He got the usual temporary pension, and he is not entitled to receive more under any warrant. His case has been considered no less than fifteen times, and the Secretary of State must decline to re-open it unless fresh facts are forthcoming.