§ 44. Mr. MACLEANasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Patrick Nelson, late No. 6,800, Sea-forth Highlanders, 38, Fairfield Street, Govan, enlisted on the 23rd October, 1899, and served with the colours until the 29th December, 1907, was on the Army 408 Reserve to the 4th August, 1914, when he was recalled to the colours; that he served until 15th April, 1919, which constitutes a total of 19 years and 5 months service; that Nelson has a permanent pension of 20 per cent.; and whether he can state the reasons why this ex-soldier has been refused a service pension?
§ Mr. COOPERI presume the hon. Member refers to Patrick Neeson, who cannot be awarded a service pension because his qualifying service amounts to 12 years 10 months only, and is less than the minimum of 14 Years necessary for an award. His reserve service does not reckon as qualifying service, because he was mobilised from Section D and not subsequently invalided.
§ Mr. MACLEANCan the hon. Gentleman quote the Regulation which excludes this man from having his period of reserve service counted as part of the qualifying period for a service pension?
§ Mr. COOPERSection D would certainly disqualify him.
§ Mr. MACLEANCan the hon. Member tell me the number of the Regulation that disqualifies this man?
§ Mr. COOPERI cannot give the number of the Regulation off-hand, but I will send the hon. Member a copy of it.
§ 45. Mr. MACLEANasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Charles Doyle, late No. 283,132, Royal Irish Fusiliers, 39, Hamilton Street. Govan, enlisted on the 22nd August, 1873, completed that service (colour and reserve), served also during the South African War, volunteered for service in the Great War on 2nd September 1915, and served to the 2nd April, 1918, when he was discharged as no longer physically fit for further service; and whether he can state the reasons why this ex-soldier has been refused a service pension?
§ Mr. COOPERWhen Mr. Doyle enlisted in 1915 he did not declare his former service, which was therefore forfeited. Even if the forfeited service were restored, his qualifying service for pension would only amount to 9 years 7 months, which is considerably short of the minimum of 14 years necessary. His reserve service does not reckon as qualifying for pension, as he was not on the reserve at the date of his subsequent enlistment.
§ Mr. MACLEANWill the Financial Secretary say if this man is to be penalised because when the Great War broke out he concealed his real age in order to get into the Army?
§ Mr. COOPERAccording to the Regulations, the fact that this man concealed his age would disqualify him, but, quite apart from that consideration, his service does not qualify him for a pension even if he had not done so.
§ Mr. MACLEANWill the hon. Gentleman send me a copy of the Regulation which deals with this particular case?
§ Mr. COOPERYes.