§ Mr. TOUCHEasked the Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that William Clay, who was engaged at the British Museum for fifty-eight years, has recently been dismissed at the age of eighty owing to failing health and inability to perform his duties; that, although continuously 668W employed, he was not technically on the establishment, and is therefore not regarded as pensionable by the Treasury; and, having regard to the long service of Clay, whose personal character is reported by the museum authorities to have been satisfactory, and to his inability, owing to family misfortunes, to put aside any savings, so that he is now without means, will he consider whether this is not an exceptional case which would justify the Treasury in authorising a pension or gratuity?
Mr. McKINNON WOODWilliam Clay was at no time in receipt of a salary or wage from the British Museum, but was in the position of a tradesman, being paid by the trustees for work actually executed, for which he presented a monthly account. In these circumstances the Treasury has no power to authorise a pension or gratuity to him.