HC Deb 14 November 1916 vol 87 cc609-11W
Mr. DUFFY

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private Thomas Deegan, No. 6984, joined the Connaught Rangers in November, 1900; whether he is aware that Private Deegan, during his fifteen years' service with the Army, served and was wounded during the South African War, served also in India, France, and Belgium; whether he is aware that Private Deegan was discharged in 1915 in consequence of wounds inflicted on him in France, which disables him from performing work; whether he is aware that a pension of 25s. a week was awarded to him for the first twelve months after his discharge, and that this pension of 25s. was reduced to 12s. 6d. a week after the first twelve months; and whether, having regard to the fact that the local doctors certify that Private Deegan is unable to perform any class of work, he will have the case reconsidered with a view to the augmentation of his pension?

Mr. FORSTER

I am making inquiries into this ease, and will let my hon. Friend know the result.

Mr. RUTHERFORD

asked whether there is any reason why a pension has been refused in the case of Edward Roberts, of 22, Willoughby Street, Edge Hill, Liverpool, being No. 221, lance-sergeant in the 9th King's Liverpool, and who was enrolled in the Territorial Force on the 13th of April, 1908, and has had a service of eight years and 191 days, and was mobilised in August, 1914, serving two years seventy-seven days with the 9th King's Liverpool, 44th Battalion, and being discharged with a bad ankle on the 20th of October, 1916, pay stopped and pension rejected by Chelsea Commission on the 18th October, case No. 77,402?

Mr. FORSTER

I am having inquiries made into this case, and will let my hon. Friend know the result.

Mr. J. P. FARRELL

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, in the case of the boy Francis Lyons, a dependant on Private M. Lyons, No. 11235, Connaught Rangers, he is aware that the boy's father is dead and his mother in an asylum, and the eldest brother, Michael, now a soldier, was the sole support of the family; and will he ask the military authorities in Longford their opinion of this case before depriving the boy of a means of livelihood?

Mr. FORSTER

This is not a question for the military authorities at Longford. It is open to the claimant to lodge an appeal against the finding of the pension officer; a form for this purpose can be obtained on application to any post office.

Mr. FARRELL

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether his inquiries into the following cases are yet completed and, if so, what is the result: Private William Carroll, No. 4624, Leinster Regiment, Sergeant Eugene M Manus, 1st Battalion Irish Guards (killed), and the late Private P. O'Connor, of Long ford?

Mr. FORSTER

These cases are still under consideration, and I will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as a decision has been reached.

Mr. FARRELL

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will state the principle or method on which the War Office allow temporary pensions of 4s. 8d. a week to disabled soldiers; and whether such men can reasonably hope to secure a living-wage pension when the War is finished?

Mr. FORSTER

Such pensions are given, under the Royal Warrant, in cases where the disability has no connection of any kind with military service. In view of the recent announcement of a Pension Ministry, the hon. Member will not expect me to answer the latter part of the question.

Mr. PERCY HARRIS

(Leicester, Harborough) asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Strapper Adams, late No. 2164, Army Service Corps, who has been discharged from the Army, though his condition necessitates his being retained in Cosham Military Hospital; whether he is aware that a pension of 4s. 8d. per week has been awarded him, and that this represents the entire income of his family; and whether, as the man is obviously unable to work at the present time, some provision will be made for the support of his family?

Mr. FORSTER

I am making inquiries into the case and will let my hon. Friend know the result.