§ MR. CLYNES (Manchester, N.E.)To ask the Secretary of State for War whether the claim of J. O'Connor, of 78, Norton Street, Gorton, late Sergeant-major, who served in the Crimea and in different regiments, for an increase in his military pension can be further inquired into, and the cause for so far withholding a regulation increase of pension formulated for him to deal with; and, if not, whether the reasons for refusing inquiry or an increase will be now stated.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) This man, who holds a pension of 2s. 3d. a day for his twenty-one years' service in the Regular forces, claimed an increase of pension for his subsequent seven years' service on the permanent staff of the Militia. As he was discharged with only a "fair" character, in consequence of his services being no longer required, he is ineligible for any increase of pension. He has repeatedly been informed to this effect.