§ Mr. NIELDasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that John S. Barnard entered the Royal Marine Light Infantry on 26th September, 1896, and was then medically examined and passed as sound; whether he is aware that, subsequently, whilst serving in His Majesty's ship "Tyne," under Captain Bruce, on the China station, he was attacked by sunstroke at Corfu, and, as a result, invalided from time to time as suffering from melancholia, and for that reason was discharged the Service in April, 1905, with two good-conduct badges and a twenty-four months' gratuity of 4s. 8d. per week ceasing in April, 1907; whether he is aware that Barnard's application for light employment by the Admiralty has been repeatedly made and refused; and, seeing that, failing to get work, Barnard and his wife have been imprisoned on a charge of begging, and with their two children have 863 no means of subsistence, whether he will take steps to have Barnard's case reconsidered?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. McKENNA)There is nothing in the official records to indicate that this man has ever suffered from sunstroke, and the medical reports show that his invaliding for melancholia was not in any way attributable to Service causes. In these circumstances the pension which he has already received is the full amount to which he is entitled under the Regulations, and no further assistance can be granted to him. With regard to the man's present destitute condition, it may be mentioned that he married after his discharge from the Navy, and at a time when he had no employment.
§ Mr. McKENNANo; I am afraid I am not able to admit anything beyond what I have said in the reply. If the hon. Member will address any further question to me I will inquire.
§ Mr. DOUGLAS HALLMay I ask if the attacks of melancholia came on after the present Government came into power?
§ Mr. McKENNAI should gather not.