§ CAPTAIN DONELANI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that at the present time there are over eighty old Irish soldiers in the Belfast workhouse; and whether steps will be taken to inquire into these cases with a view to provide any old soldier who may possess a certificate of good conduct with a pension.
§ *MR. WYNDHAMNothing is known of the presence of so many Irish old soldiers in the Belfast workhouse, but the matter shall be inquired into. It must, however, be understood that pensions are given either for long service, for war service on reaching the age of sixty-five, or to soldiers discharged in consequence of disablement incurred in the service. There may be men who 169 have passed a portion of their life in the Army, but who fulfil none of these conditions.
§ CAPTAIN DONELANThe information was supplied to me by a former Member of this House. Will the Government consider the desirability of providing all old soldiers who have seen active service with a pension?
§ *MR. WYNDHAMThat is done in all cases when a man reaches the age of sixty-five, but I cannot hold out any hope that the age limit will be reduced.