§ MR. CARLILEI beg to ask the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that a grant of £75 was made in the year 1897 from the Royal Bounty and Special Service Fund to Mr. Thomas Hardman, formerly clerk of the Clerkenwell County Court, after twenty years service, during which he was allowed one year and three months leave of absence, he can see his way to make a similar grant in the case of Mr. Charles George Hunt, of Danesbury, Warwick Road, New Barnet, who served in the same capacity at the same court for nearly sixty years, during which period he was only allowed nine months leave of absence, and who is now in failing health and in impoverished circumstances.
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANPayments from the fund referred to are made solely at my discretion. The case of Mr. Hunt has been decided on its merits; and I must abide by the decision, at which I have without hesitation arrived, that it is not a proper case for a grant of Royal Bounty. I understand that Mr. Hardman's case was a peculiar one as his eyesight had failed from an exceptional strain incurred in the execution of his duties.
§ MR. CARLILEIs there any continuity in the principle under which these grants are made? If so, on what ground was a grant refused in this case? Was not Mr. Hunt with his sixty years service as fully entitled to a grant as Mr. Hardman with twenty years service?
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANThe grants are made purely as a matter of grace, and each case is dealt with on its own merits. I have no personal knowledge of or responsibility for the decision in Mr. Hardman's case, but in the case of Mr. Hunt I am satisfied there is no reason for a grant from this fund.
§ MR. CARLILEWas not there greater merit arising from the fact that Mr. Hunt had sixty years service?
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANPerhaps I may be allowed to say I do not think there is anything less likely to be beneficial, than that my discretion in applying this fund should be made the subject of discussion on the floor of this House.