§ Mr. WATTasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether anything is done by his department in the way of bonus or financial assistance to soldiers of good character discharged from the Service on account of any ailment developing while in the Service, about which it is a matter of opinion as to whether it has arisen out of the service and is pensionable; and, if so, will he say what assistance his department renders in such circumstances?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Colonel Seely)All soldiers discharged for disability with fourteen years' service and upwards are pensioned. Soldiers with less than fourteen years' service discharged for disability due to service or climate receive pensions: if their disabilities are not so caused they may be granted temporary pensions. The question whether the disability arises from the Service is decided by the Commissioners of Chelsea Hospital, assisted, if necessary, by the opinion of the Army Medical Department. The rates of pension are laid down in the Royal Warrant for pay, etc. They vary according to rank and other conditions of service.
§ Mr. JOHN WARDAre we to take it for granted that the regulations make it impossible for a man to get a pension unless he has done fourteen years' service, and that no man who develops any ailment in the service within that period is entitled to a pension?
§ Colonel SEELYI have explained that if a man retires owing to illness due to service or climate he does get a pension.
§ Mr. WATTWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is an appeal, or whether this depends on one man's decision?
§ Colonel SEELYThere are several cases, and perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put down a question in regard to the particular case on which he desires information.