§ Mr. TOUCHEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether an application has been received from Mr. W. A. Barnley, 8, Davenant Road, Holloway, N., 1282W applying to commute a portion of his pension of 9d. a day; is he aware that Barnley desires to emigrate to Australia; and, having regard to the fact that emigrants to the Overseas Dominions, if without funds, are at a disadvantage as compared with those who possess a small capital, can he say whether any variation of the regulations admitting only of the commutation of that part of an Army pension which is in excess of a shilling a day is permissible in special circumstances and can be considered in the present case?
§ Mr. TENNANTMr. Barnley's application to commute his pension of 9d. a day was refused on the 3rd instant. It is not considered advisable to make any exception to the general rule which allows the commutation only of that part of the pension which is in excess of 1s, a day. If he wishes to emigrate to Australia he can obtain an advance of six months' pension in addition to the pension for the quarter in which the advance is made.