§ Mr. MORRELL (Oxfordshire, Henley)I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he can now inform the House that steps will be taken to prevent paupers, whose destitution is due to injuries received during their service in His Majesty's forces, from being chargeable to local rates.
§ MR. JOHN BURNSI caused a letter to be sent to the Admiralty and the War Office informing them of the communications which I had received on this subject. I have not at present heard from the former Department with regard to the matter, but I have received a communication from the Army Council in which it is explained that, in all cases where a soldier has established a reasonable claim to be compensated by the State for disablement resulting from Army service, provision exists for awarding him a pension. It is added that should there be any discharged soldiers, in workhouses who are without pensions, or with small pensions, and who can be shown to be suffering from disabilities directly due to military service, their cases will always receive careful investigation on being brought to the notice of the Secretary, Royal Hospital, Chelsea. I propose to issue a circular to boards of guardians informing them of the effect of the communication from the Army Council.
§ MR. JOYCE (Limerick)Will it apply to Ireland also?
§ MR. JOHN BURNSThat is a matter for the Irish Government. I will, however, consult the Chief Secretary.