HC Deb 19 February 1900 vol 79 c365
MR. WILLIAM REDMOND (Glare, E.)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War if his attention has been drawn to the statement that an old woman named Bridget Gravin, who is an inmate of the Doncaster workhouse, has seven sons in the Army; and whether any steps will be taken to afford her some provision for her old age.

*MR. WYNDHAM

The Secretary of State for War has no funds at his disposal out of which assistance can be given in such cases.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

Are we to understand from this answer that Irishwomen may send their sons to the front, and be refused all means of support?

*MR. SPEAKER

Order, order—

MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN () Kilkenny

Cannot the War Office recommend some of those who hold public funds collected for the relief of the wives and orphans of soldiers at the front to apply some of the money to keeping these poor women out of the workhouse?

*MR. WYNDHAM

I think that a very good suggestion.