§ MR. O'MARA (Kilkenny, S.)To ask the Secretary of State for War whether he has received an application for increase of pension from Michael Phelan, Thomastown, county Kilkenny, late of the 49th Light Infantry Regiment, in which he served twenty-one years, obtaining during that period an Indian Mutiny medal and a New Zealand war medal, being eventually discharged on a pension of 1s. per day for life; whether, in view of his long service and present circumstances, he intends to grant Phelan this increase; and, if so, to what extent.
58 (Answered by Mr. Secretary Arnold-Forster.) The man referred to in the Question is Michael Phelan, late 43rd foot. An application for an increase of his pension was dealt with in June last by the Commissioners of Chelsea Hospital, who informed Phelan that he was in receipt of the highest rate of pension for which he was eligible under the regulations in force at the time of his discharge, and that he was not eligible for any increase. As he was not wounded or discharged for disability he cannot be granted any increase under the special concession made to Crimean and Indian Mutiny veterans who fulfil either of these conditions.