§ CAPTAIN NORTON (Newington, W.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he will inquire into the case of R. Priddle, postman, S.E.D.O., who applied for a pension on 9th November, 1899, having met with an accident when on duty in April of the same year, after over twenty-eight years service, and who has been left without pay, half-pay, or pension since the above-mentioned date; and whether he can state the cause of the delay in this and similar cases, which presses upon those in the postal service who become incapacitated.
§ MR. HANBURYA statement of Priddle's service was submitted to the Treasury with the view to the award of a pension on the 7th inst., and the award when made would, in the ordinary course, take effect from the date of the cessation of his pay—that is to say, from the 9th November last. The unusual delay which took place in this case is regretted, and was due to the numerous inquiries which it was found necessary to make before the statement of the man's service could be put forward. An advance has been made to him pending an award of pension.