§ Mr. PATRICK WHITEasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that Thomas Walsh, Kilfarnon, Kilmainham Wood, county Meath, entered the Kells Union infirmary upon the certificate of the local doctor that he was suffering from paralysis; whether he is aware that the doctor under whose care he was in the infirmary has certified that while there he was suffering from and treated for paralysis; and whether, having regard to the fact that he was there for medical treatment only, this man, considering his advanced years, will receive, the pension to which he is entitled?
§ Mr. BIRRELLAs I informed the hon. Member in reply to the question asked by him on the 19th August last, the nature of Walsh's illness was certified to the Local Government Board as being debility, and as he was relieved in the hospital from May, 1907, to April, 1909, the Board regarded the medical assistance which he received as incidental to ordinary relief. The Board, therefore, considered that he was disqualified for a pension in accordance with the principles laid down in their circular letter of the 30th December, 1903, which has already been furnished to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. PATRICK WHITETo whom was it certified? Was it to the Local Government Board, because I can produce a certificate from the doctor who attended him while in the infirmary, and if the right hon. Gentleman wishes I can show him the certificate?
§ Mr. BIRRELLIf the hon. Member does that, I will forward copies to the Local Government Board.
§ Mr. CONOR O'KELLYAre not all these matters decided by clerks in the Local Government Board offices, and is it not a fact that these things never come before the Board or the members of the Board except for initialling purposes?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI do not know what the hon. Member means by clerks. I assure him that all these matters receive very careful attention from most competent and highly placed officials of the Board.