§ Mr. HUGH LAWasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that the Local Government Board have, on appeal, refused an old age pension, already granted by the local committee, to John William Boyle, Dungloe, county Donegal, on the ground of the claimant's absence from the United Kingdom; whether he is aware that the man returned permanently to Ireland in 1892, and that during the entire period of his absence his family occupied his holding, and that rent was paid in his name, and whether the Board will now reconsider their decision in this case?
§ Mr. BIRRELLIt is the fact that this man's claim was disallowed by the Board on appeal. He admitted he returned to this country in 1892 after an absence of 13½ years in Australia. As this period of absence occurred partly within the last 20 years, and exceeded eight years in duration, the question whether he had a home in this country during his absence did not arise, having regard to Article 29 (a) (iii.) of the Treasury Regulations of 15th October last, which have been presented to Parliament. The arrangements stated to have been made during his absence do not affect the matter.