§ Mr. ERSKINEasked the Secretary to the Treasury, whether he is aware that Mr. George Paine, who has held the post of first attendant in the Museum of Antiquities, Edinburgh, for 18 years, was obliged to resign that post on account of loss of eyesight last April; that, owing to the post not being pensionable, Mr. Paine received on leaving the service a gratuity of only £22 16s. 2d.; that, as Mr. Paine's family are not yet old enough to be in a position to help him, and as his loss of eyesight precludes him from obtaining work, that sum is altogether inadequate; and whether, in view of these circumstances, a further grant can be made to Mr. Paine?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI am aware of the facts of this case. Mr. Paine has been awarded the maximum gratuity for which he is eligible under the Superannuation Acts, and I fear I can only say that there is no power to make him any further grant out of public funds.