CAPTAIN FABER (Hampshire, Andover)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the advisability of making it obligatory for boards of guardians to distribute pensions to old soldiers instead of optional, as at present proposed.
§ MR. HALDANEThe War Office has no power to make it obligatory for boards of guardians to distribute soldiers pensions. In exceptional cases where pensioners frequently become inmates of workhouses, payment is made weekly by the guardians, but any attempt to make this custom of general application would be strongly resented by the pensioners. I do not, therefore, propose to adopt the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion.