asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Charles Ambrose Fairhead, late private, Labour Corps, No. 119,640, is in receipt of a pension of 8d. a day only, after having rendered upwards of 15 years' combined colour and reserve service, including fighting throughout the South African war and for two years in France; and whether, in view of the fact that he was discharged after the War as no longer physically fit in consequence of gastritis and is still receiving treatment from his doctor for this disability, he will consider increasing the rate of pension referred to?

The disablement resulting from War service in this case is of a minor degree only, assessed at less than 20 per cent., and the final award of the Ministry, based on that assessment, has been confirmed by the Pensions Appeal Tribunal. The compensation payable in such a case would normally be an allowance for a limited period only, but in the case of a regular soldier with fourteen years' service, it is possible under certain conditions to grant a small life pension. Mr. Fairhead is receiving this pension and there are no grounds on which an increase of it could be authorised.