§ 21. Sir CLEMENT KINLOCH-COOKEasked the Pensions Minister whether his attention has been called to a discharged soldier, wearing a wound stripe, who for the last week has been standing, bare headed, in the Strand and by means of a cap placed on the ground is soliciting alms from the passers by; that he is accompanied by an organ, on which is displayed a card stating that he is suffering from neurasthenia and has dependants. to support; whether he will cause inquiries to be made into the case; whether he s aware that during the last day or so another man with an organ has also made his appearance near the same spot; and whether these exhibitions are to be allowed to continue?
§ Sir J. CRAIGInquiry is being made to ascertain whether these men are drawing the pensions to which they are entitled. The hon. Member will, however, recognise that beyond seeing that the men have their due, my right hon. Friend can take no steps to prevent their appealing to the public in this manner.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEDoes the hon. and gallant Gentleman think this man should be allowed to put up a card of that kind in the public street without some remonstrance?
§ Sir J. CRAIGI am afraid that, as a Ministry, we have no power to interfere in a matter of that kind. We have, I am sorry to say, no power to prevent a man in receipt of a pension supplementing it by putting up a card begging at the corner of the street.