§ Mr. O'DOWDasked whether the Chief Secretary is aware that Luke Torsney, residing in the pension district of Ballymote, county Sligo, was in receipt of a pension 1061 of 2s. per week during the year 1909; that at the beginning of 1910 Torsney appealed to the Local Government Board (Appeal No. T. 1575) demanding 5s. per week, which appeal was refused; whether he is aware that this man then voluntarily gave up his pension book, with the result that during 1910 and up to the present he has received no pension; that at the end of 1910 Torsney applied for his pension book with the view of drawing his back pensions at the rate of 2s. per week for 1910, and that his application was refused; and, if so, whether this man's case will be inquired into so that the amounts due to him for the year 1910 and up to the present time may be paid?
§ Mr. BIRRELLLuke Torsney was granted a pension of two shillings a week by the local pension committee in December, 1908. He appealed to the Local Government Board on the ground that he was entitled to a pension at a higher rate, but his appeal was late, and could not be entertained. In July, 1909, he submitted a fresh claim, and the committee again allowed two shillings. He appealed to the Board, who dismissed his appeal. He appears to have refused the pension of two shillings. In October, 1910, he submitted a third claim, which was dismissed both by the pension committee and by the Board, as his means did not appear to entitle him to any pension. Presumably, as Torsney refused to take the pension awarded him he thereby waived all claim to payment, but this is a matter for the Commissioners of Customs and Excise.