HC Deb 06 July 1914 vol 64 cc824-5
52. Mr. WING

asked the First Lord of the Treasury if he is aware that Mr. W. Rigney, recently in charge of linesmen in the Letterkenny, Enniskillen, and Dundalk section (Ireland) telegraph service, is retired with a pension of £34 13s. 5d. per annum, and a retiring gratuity of £101 14s. 1d., while entitled to a pension of £50 per annum and a retiring gratuity of £140, based upon the fact that the secretary to the Postmaster-General wrote Mr. Rigney on the 10th June, 1892, to the effect that the date on which he joined the 2nd telegraph battalion of the Royal Engineers, namely, 3rd August, 1878, would count towards pension; and whether he will take steps to secure to Mr. Rigney the carrying out of the promise officially made on behalf of the Government department?

Mr. MONTAGU

Mr. Rigney has been granted the maximum pension and additional allowance for which he is qualified under the Superannuation Acts, 1834 to 1909, and I have no power to increase the amounts. I am informed that no record can be traced in the Post Office of any letter of the kind referred to in the question.

Mr. WING

Is it not a fact that such a letter was issued, and, if it could be presented to the hon. Gentleman, would he take it into consideration in fulfilment of the promise? If the hon. Gentleman says "Yes," I will let him have it this afternoon?

Mr. MONTAGU

If my hon. Friend will give me a copy of the letter I will certainly make inquiries.