HC Deb 25 February 1914 vol 58 cc1751-2
25. Mr. DOUGLAS HALL

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can see his way to provide in the coming Army Estimates that old soldiers who have served ten years or more with the Colours and who, through age or infirmity, are unable to maintain themselves should be granted a weekly allowance sufficient to keep them out of the workhouse and relieve them of the taint of pauperism?

Colonel SEELY

I am afraid that I cannot undertake to alter the existing Regulations in the manner proposed.

Mr. DOUGLAS HALL

May I ask why?

Colonel SEELY

There are very large financial considerations involved, as well as others which I cannot undertake to deal with at the present time.