§ 18. Mr. RONALD M'NEILLasked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the case of Frederick Ribbens, an ex-sergeant of the York and Lancaster Regiment; whether he is aware that Ribbens served for more than thirteen years in the Army, and, having contracted rheumatic fever in India his feet became so weak that in June, 1909, he was discharged as medically unfit for further service, his conduct and character while with the colours being declared to have been exemplary; whether he is aware that if he had served for another eight months he would have been entitled to a pension for life; that he was awarded a temporary pension of 10d. a day for thirty-nine months, which has now expired; that he has applied to be further examined medically in order to determine whether he is competent to earn his living; and that he originally enlisted in the Army as a band boy at an age which prevented him learning a trade: and whether, in view of 2169 the fact that Ribbens has a wife and family, and is totally incapacitated by an ailment contracted while serving with the colours, he will undertake that a pension be awarded to this veteran?
§ Mr. HAROLD BAKERThe disability for which F. Ribbens was invalided cannot be attributed to the effects of climate or military service and in these circumstances the Commissioners of Chelsea Hospital have granted him the maximum pension which the Royal Warrant provides. It is regretted that this pension cannot be increased.