§ MR. SLOAN (Belfast, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that a few days ago Constable Biggins, of Springfield road barracks, Belfast, was invalided out of the force as the result of an injury sustained on duty, and that he was only granted a pension of £19 a year; and whether, in view of the fact that Biggins had thirteen years' service, that he had an unblemished record, with good educational equipments, but has now been turned adrift practically a cripple and utterly unfit for work involving physical exertion, and in view of his circumstances, he will open this case for re-consideration.
§ MR. CHERRYThe facts are substantially as stated in the Question. Constable Biggins was accidentally injured when practising physical drill nearly a year ago, and has since been under almost continuous medical treatment. He has now been retired from the force as being partially incapacitated, and has been awarded the highest pension which the Statute permits, having regard to his length of service, and to the extent of his injuries. I regret that the Government have no power to re-open the case.
§ MR. SLOANasked whether special consideration could not be given to this case, as the man and his wife and family had been practically put out into the streets?
§ MR. CHERRYThe highest pension possible under the circumstances has been given him.