§ Mr. JOYCEasked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the case of Michael Bourke, late private in the Leinster Regiment, enlisted in 1897, discharged February, 1908, length. 2299 of service 10 years and 166 days, cause of discharge medically unfit for service through tuberculosis, war service in South Africa, two medals, character very good, pension 8d. per day, application made for increase, 1909, not granted; and whether, owing to the state of this man's health and his inability to do any work, and that the pension is unable to keep him, this case will be further considered, with the view to grant such increase in the pension as will enable him to live outside the work-house?
§ Mr. HALDANEThe Medical Board, by whom this man was invalided, reported that the tuberculosis which caused his discharge was the result of exposure while on manœuvres at Aldershot in August, 1907. His medical history sheet in no way supports the statement that the disease was due to war service in South Africa. In these circumstances his present pension of 8d. a day is the highest rate which can be awarded him under the regulations.
§ Mr. JOYCEAm I to understand that this man who gave more than 10 years, the best years of his life, in your service, is now going to be allowed to starve?
§ Mr. HALDANEThis man has got a pension of 8d. a day, which the Regulations lay down as the amount of pension to be given to a man who has been invalided under such conditions.