§ MR. FLAVIN (Kerry, N.)I beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that a public appeal has been made in the press by Colonel Johnston, commanding 101st regimental district, at Tralee, county Kerry, asking for assistance for soldiers now living in different portions of Kerry who were invalided home after being wounded in the South African war; whether this appeal was made owing to the fact that in many cases the invalided soldiers received no pension, and in other cases the pension granted is insufficient to keep the men out of the workhouse; and whether the Government will take such steps as may be necessary to prevent those South African soldiers from becoming a burden on the ratepayers of Kerry.
§ *MR. WYNDHAMAll cases of discharge on account of disability are submitted to the commissioners of Chelsea Hospital for the award of pensions. Every soldier whose disability is due to service is entitled to a pension varying in the case of privates from 6d. to 2s. 6d. a day, according to the nature of the disability. The Government has no reason to suppose that the ratepayers of Kerry will be burdened in the manner suggested.
§ MR. FLAVINWill the hon. Gentleman answer the question as to the truth of the statement that Colonel Johnston has made a public appeal for assistance of this sort?
§ *MR. WYNDHAMWe know nothing about it.
§ MR. FLAVINBut did he make the appeal?
§ *MR. SPEAKEROrder, order! The hon. Gentleman says he knows nothing about it.