§ MR. SLOANTo ask the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to a communication from Mr. George A. Doran, J.P., of Belfast pleading for an annuity and medal on behalf of Sergeant Drummer W. Cocking late 1st Wiltshire Regiment and whether seeing that the reply was a copy of a stereotyped letter exactly the same as was sent to the officer commanding the 1st Battalion Wiltshire Regiment on the 24th May, 1893, he will reconsider the case of this old soldier with a view of making the award he claims being entitled to.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) My attention has been drawn to this case. Sergeant Drummer Cocking is not "entitled" to the annuity and medal but he is eligible for it. A certain amount of money is allotted to each regiment, and the claims of candidates can only be considered when a vacancy occurs through the death of an annuitant. The fact of registering a man's name as eligible does not ensure his eventual selection, as there are many applicants and few opportunities of appointment.