§ Mr. FALLEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he would consider the case of W. H. Ellis, petty officer, first class-(No. 94,080, born September, 1859), medal, clasp, and star Egypt, Royal Fleet Reserve, who, having served four drills, was prevented by a serious accident while on duty from completing the fifth drill, which would have given him a pension of 5d. a 525 day; and, seeing that the nature of W. H. Ellis's accident, resulting in the loss of his leg and thigh, prevented him doing much work and obliged him to move on crutches, whether he would give this case favourable consideration?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. McKenna)The man referred to cannot, under the regulations, receive the extra pension of 5d. a day, as he was not able to complete the necessary drills. The accident which incapacitated him occurred while he was employed as a civilian caretaker, and in compensation for it he was awarded £54 4s. under the Superannuation Act of 1887. The Admiralty have no power to make any further grant to him beyond the naval pension which he receives of £27 15s. per annum.
§ Mr. FALLEI understand that this man was employed as caretaker, and that, having now to walk with crutches, he is unable to go from ship to ship, or to bring up coal from the bunker. Under these circumstances, could not some lighter work be found for him?
§ Mr. McKENNAThat was not the original question put to me, and in my reply I have dealt only with the circumstances there raised. I regret that the Admiralty have no power to go beyond what they have already done.