§ Mr. HUNTasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that Rudgley, who was invalided out of the Navy on account of a wound received on active service, was laid up and quite unable to work on 17th February last, and for three weeks from that time, and is now destitute, except for the help of his relations; and whether he can now see his way to restoring Rudgley's pension of 1s. 1d. a day?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)No information as to Rudgley's recent illness has been received, other than that contained in the question. I can only repeat what I stated to the hon. Member in reply to his question on 12th March last that the Regulations do not, except in special circumstances, contemplate the continuance of pensions for life to men with only short service. In awarding pensions in such cases, consideration is given both to the character of the injury and to the man's capacity to contribute to his own support. Until it can be definitely established, in accordance with the condition already prescribed by the Admiralty, that Rudgley is, as a result of his injury, unable to work, there do not appear to be sufficient reasons for reopening the case.
§ Mr. HUNTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this man was laid up for three weeks as the result of the wound; and if the right hon. Gentleman is not satisfied 1043 will he make inquiries, and if he finds that to be the case, will he give him compensation for the three weeks he was laid up?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe certificate which the hon. Gentleman sent to me did not show that Rudgley was entirely unable to work, but it did show that he was not able to work on certain days. Unless he is entirely unable to work the Regulations do not permit of a pension.
§ Dr. MACNAMARAHe is not generally unable to work. The hon. Member must remember the conditions under which the pension was withdrawn some time ago.