§ MR. FFRENCH (Wexford, S.)To ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Patrick M'Mahon, now residing in William Street, Wexford, joined the permanent staff of the Royal Irish Regiment, 3rd Battalion, on the 16th June, 1870, and continued in the service for fourteen years and ten months, and at the end of that time joined the Line service of the Irish Regiment for seven years, and on the 16th June, 1897, joined again for a further period of four years, and war having broken out in South Africa he was called to the colours on the 20th June, 1900; whether he is aware that M'Mahon was discharged on the 16th June, 1902, after twenty-four 761 years service, without a pension; and whether, seeing that this man is now in failing health and unable to support his wife and family, he will order an inquiry into this case with a view to granting a pension.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Arnold-Forster.) The case is being investigated, and a reply as to the man's eligibility for pension will be forwarded to the hon. Member.