HC Deb 14 March 1905 vol 142 c1369
MR. SLOAN (Belfast, S. )

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if he has received on behalf of ex-Sergeant Martin, of the Land Transport Corps, a solemn declaration, together with medical certificates, to prove that Martin has been for years, and is now, suffering from a shattered leg, due to the splinter of a shell during the Crimean War; and whether, in view of this man's age and circumstances, he will consider the advisability of increasing his present pension of ninepence per day.

*MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER

This man's case has already been very carefully investigated. As there is no corroborative evidence either in this man's possession or in official records of his having been wounded or treated in hospital during the few months which he served in the Crimea, it is not possible to grant him the benefit of n higher rate of pension.

MR. SLOAN

May I ask whether, in view of the fact that this man is seventy-five years old and quite destitute, cannot the right hon. Gentleman reconsider his case?

*MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER

I am afraid that the fact of age is not relevant. The allegations of the man as to his service cannot be substantiated.

MR. FLAVIN (Kerry, N. )

A warning to Irishmen to keep away from the British Army.