§ MR. SCHWANN (Manchester, N.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether a circular was sent by the Home Office to the Cumberland County Council, to the effect that the time the police Reservists, who are absent with the colours, pass in South Africa should not count towards their pensions in the county police force; and whether he will reconsider this decision, and agree to the time passed in service by police Reservists being added to the police service qualifying for pension.
§ SIR JAMES FERGUSSON (Manchester, N.E.)I beg at the same time to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether he will consider the propriety of amending the regulation whereby Reserve soldiers, members of the police, who have been called out for active service, will have to serve for pension an additional period equivalent to the time of their absence upon such service.
§ * THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. RITCHIE,) CroydonThe answer to these 342 questions is that a letter was sent by the Home Office to the Cumberland County Council giving the effect of the law as it at present exists. I am not satisfied that the law is right, and I hope to introduce a Bill to deal with the matter next session.