HC Deb 14 February 1899 vol 66 cc856-7
MR. R. G. WEBSTER () St. Pancras, E.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the fact that a survivor of the Balaclava Light Brigade charge, namely, the late Mr. John Smith, at one time of the 17th Lancers, was recently buried from the St. Pancras Workhouse; and that he would have had a pauper's funeral but for the generosity of the public, through Mr. T. H. Roberts; is he aware that 27 also of his comrades in this charge are being supported solely or partly by voluntary contributions, and so kept out of the workhouse; and, whether their cases could be carefully examined by the authorities, and an adequate money allowance prescribed them out of public funds, in accordance with the promise made in respect to such cases by the then Secretary of State for War (Mr. E. Stanhope) in a Debate in Committee of Supply on War Office Estimates in this House on 25th June 1891?

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

The late John Smith's claims to a special campaign pension were carefully considered, but his service and character on discharge did not justify the grant. With regard to the 27 comrades, it is not possible to make any statement without a reference to each case. If the honourable Member will give the necessary details, their claims, if not already inquired into, will be thoroughly considered. In accordance with the promise made by the late Mr. Stanhope, all cases which were referred to the War Office were very carefully considered, and the men who were properly qualified received pensions.

MR. R. G. WEBSTER

I should like to ask the honourable Gentleman, is it not a fact that a large number of soldiers who served their country in the Crimean War are in the workhouse?

MR. POWELL WILLIAMS

If the honourable Member will give me their names I will make inquiries. But, answering offhand, I should say the fact is not as alleged.

MR. BAYLEY () Derbyshire, Chesterfield

Has the right honourable Gentleman's attention been called to the Royal Patriotic Fund, which has money that was intended for Balaclava?

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! Notice must be given of that Question.