§ Mr. W. THORNEasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will state the practice in regard to disablement pensions, their amount, and to whom they are paid, in respect of soldiers with dependants, when such soldiers have been discharged to asylums?
§ Mr. FORSTERSoldiers who lose their reason through service are entitled to the same pensions as other soldiers who are totally disabled. The cost of their maintenance is the first charge against their pensions, but any balance is paid to the man's family or dependants.
689W
§ Mr. GRAHAMasked the Secretary of State for War whether separation allowance has been withdrawn from the wife of Private M'Kean, No. 490, Leinster Regiment, since the 29th May last; whether he is aware that her husband is most anxious that the separation allowance should now be given to her and his child, who are in a state of semi-starvation; and whether he will take any action in the matter?
§ Mr. FORSTERInquiry is being made, and the hon. Member will be informed of the result.
§ Mr. GRAHAMasked the Secretary of State for War whether a pension will be granted to the wife of Private Neill, No. 10,407, 8th Royal Irish Fusiliers, whose husband served two and a half years in the Boer War and has also served in the present War; and whether he is aware that this woman and her five children are now destitute?
§ Mr. FORSTERInquiries are being made, and my hon. Friend will be informed as soon as possible.
§ Mr. GRAHAMasked the Secretary of State for War whether any pension will be allowed to Private Joseph Walsh, No. 2960, 2/4th Black Watch, Territorial, who served one year and 212 days in France, being passed medically fit by Dr. Ash at Falkirk; and whether he is aware that Private Walsh contracted tuberculosis in France and was discharged with a good character, and is now permanently unfit for work, his four children and himself being completely destitute?
§ Mr. FORSTERInquiries are being made, and my hon. Friend will be informed as soon as possible.