§ Mr. O'GRADYasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether his attention has been called to the case of Sapper Benson, Royal Engineers, whose record shows that he joined the Colours 688W in October, 1914, was in the battle of Neuve Chapelle, where he was gassed and shot through the groin and leg, and, after recovery in England, returned to the front and took part in the battles of Ypres, Hill 60, Soissons, Messines, and Loos; whether he is aware that Benson, during an assault by the Germans on the British trenches, succeeded without aid in rescuing eight wounded men and a wounded officer, and while carrying another wounded man was shot through both legs, blown into the air, and subsequently buried in debris from shell burst, and as a consequence losing his sight and the use of his limbs; whether he is aware that a record of his conduct was read out in brigade orders at three parades and recommended by the general; whether he is aware that Sapper Benson is now at home again, blind and partially paralysed, that he is thirty-eight years of age and has a wife and three children, that he is totally incapable of any employment, his injuries being pronounced as permanent by the Army medical officers, and that so far he has not received any recognition of his action nor has he received any pension, his sole means of subsistence for himself and his family being an allowance from the local relief committee of 25s. weekly; and whether, having regard to Sapper Benson's conduct while at the front, any recognition that may be due shall be awarded him and, having regard to the fact of the present hardship this soldier is enduring, an allocation of full pension and other allowances to which he may be entitled will be promptly made?
§ Mr. FORSTERInquiries are being made, and my hon. Friend will he informed as soon as possible.