§ Mr. C. WHITEasked the Minister of Pensions whether he can recommend an increase in the service pension of ex-Drum-Major W. M. Cocking, of Matlock, who after thirty-one years in the Army was discharged from the 1st Wilts Regiment on the 5th June, 1883, with a pension of 2s. 3d. a day; whether he is aware that the total income of this man, who is now seventy-seven yeas of age, is the pension above mentioned with 10s. a week allowance from his late employers and 2s. 6d. a week pension from the Corps of Commissionaires, out of which he has to maintain a wife and invalid son; and whether, if it is not possible to increase his pension, there is any fund from which he could obtain a grant or allowance?
§ Mr. FORSTERMy right hon. Friend Las asked me to answer this question. I am afraid it is not possible to increase this man's pension, nor do I know of any Government fund from which he could obtain assistance.