§ Sir J. BUTCHERasked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to the case of Patrick Quinn, formerly a sergeant in the Royal Irish Constabulary, who was discharged from the force in November, 1920, as no longer fit for service, after over 25 years' service, owing to an injury accidentally received while in discharge of his duty from a fellow member of the Royal Irish Constabulary; whether the pension of £123 10s. awarded him was the same as if he had retired voluntarily in November, 1920; whether, but for this injury, he could have completed his 30 years' service, and would then, on voluntary retirement, have received a pension of £195 a year, whereas owing to this injury, caused by no fault of his own, he has lost five years' service and £72 of retiring pension; and whether he will take steps to remedy this hardship on an old servant of the Crown?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThe reply to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the third part, I can only say in ordinary circumstances Sergeant Quinn would probably have become qualified for a pension of £195 per annum if he had continued to serve until the 1st August, 1925. This matter is governed by Statute, and I regret that there is no power to increase the award which has already been made in this case. It has been calculated on the same basis as that adopted in British police forces.