Mr. RUTHERFORDasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether his attention has been called to the case of Thomas Mace, 8, Daysbrook Side, West Derby, Liverpool, late sub-conductor to the Bengal Ordnance Department, admitted a pensioner of 6th Dragoon Guards 5th October, 1880, eighty years of age last May, now suffering from dilated heart, old age, infirmity, and increased wants; whether he is aware that Mace's conduct was reported upon as being very good, his service in the Army having been twenty-five years and forty-six days, principally in India, and holding medals for Indian Mutiny, 1857–8, and for long service and good conduct, his last ten years being in the barrack and ordnance department as staff-sergeant and warrant officer, the last report on him being as a non-commissioned officer, character exemplary and efficient; whether he is aware that Mace has three sons, the first, after twelve years in the Navy, discharged as leading seaman, excellent character, awarded Humane Society's silver medal with diploma and watch for saving life last December; the second, Sergeant A. Mace, No. 5145, East Yorkshire Regiment, at the front since September, 1914, and twice brought to notice; the third, Quartermaster-Sergeant A. Mace, 69th Battery Royal Field Artillery, after one year and six months in France and Greece, is at present an invalid at home; and whether the War Office, having regard to this man's services, present age, infirmity, and increasing wants, will increase his pension beyond 2s. per day so as to prevent Mace from having to go to the workhouse?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe Chelsea Commissioners are not able to increase this man's pension on account of old age or any of the other circumstances mentioned in the question. They are willing to take him as an in-pensioner at Chelsea, but an offer to take him in 1911 was not answered.
§ Sir GEORGE TOULMINasked the Secretary of State for War whether a sergeant who completed twenty-one years' service before the War and rejoined receives both pay and pension; whether the same is paid to a sergeant who completed twenty-two years' service after the commencement of the War; and, if there is any different treatment, will he state the reason?
228W
§ Mr. FORSTERA sergeant who had taken his pension and re-enlisted during the War draws pay and pension, but does not count re-enlisted service towards an increase of pension. A sergeant who completes twenty-two years' service during the War draws pay only, but will count his whole service for pension.