Mr. HASTINGS DUNCANasked the Secretary to the Treasury if an officer of the Excise Department can be granted leave of absence without pay for an extended period if adequate reasons for such absence can be given; and, if not, and such absence is necessary, whether the pension towards which he has contributed during his years of service is forfeited?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSE(1) Any such application would be considered on its merits. (2) An officer who absented himself for a long period without permission would be regarded as having resigned his appointment. In that case he would not be entitled to pension in respect of his past services, unless he was over sixty years of age or unless his resignation was due to ill-health, medically certified as likely to be permanent.