§ Mr. SNELLasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Mr. Joseph Farrelly, of 61, Princes Road, Plumstead, was selected as foreman at the Royal Arsenal after having passed the usual medical examination, and was retired two years later, having reached the age limit; that men who were selected with him and were established in 1926 had their services antedated to 1922, the date of the medical examination; that Mr. Farrelly had 23½ years' service in the 2566W Royal Arsenal; that he volunteered for service during the War, but was not allowed to enlist; that because of the difference of treatment in his case from that of men who were put on the establishment he was placed at a disadvantage in regard to pension; and whether, considering this man's record and the circumstances of the case, he will have his claim for an appropriate pension reconsidered?
§ Mr. SHAWMr. Farrelly was, with others, medically examined in 1922 in order to ascertain his fitness as regards health for appointment to the pensionable establishment when further appointments were being made. But the scheme under which such further appointments were eventually made did not come into operation until 1st April, 1926, and applied only to those who were under 60 years of age at that date and were still serving. Mr. Farrelly had been discharged at the age of 60, nearly two years earlier, and is not therefore eligible for pension under the scheme. He received on discharge the gratuity to which his service entitled him.