§ Mr. SAMUEL ROBERTSasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in his promised Police Bill, he will add a Clause to amend Sub-section (2) of Clause 2, Part I., of the Police Act, 1890, so as to make the granting of a gratuity to the widow and children of a constable dying from any cause other than an injury received in the execution of his duty compulsory on the police authority?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Herbert Gladstone)If the hon. Member wishes to make the grant of an annuity compulsory in the circumstances he mentions, this would be a large proposal, which would throw a heavy charge on local authorities, and would be of a controversial character. But if he intended to refer to the grant of a gratuity, not an annuity, his proposal is one with which I have much sympathy; but I am afraid that at this late period of the Session I could not give any pledge to deal with it in the Bill.
§ Mr. SAMUEL ROBERTSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there have been cases where the police authorities have refused to give gratuities to widows.
§ Mr. GLADSTONEYes, Sir, and I have great sympathy with such cases.
§ Mr. SAMUEL ROBERTSWould the right hon. Gentleman accept an Amendment to his Bill in this direction if I move it.
§ Mr. GLADSTONEI am afraid it is not possible to give any promise to deal with that at this late period of the Session.
Mr. JOHNWARDDoes the right hon. Gentleman think that policemen killed in the execution of their duty should be treated less generously than workmen who are killed are treated under the Workmen's Compensation Act?
§ Mr. GLADSTONEI agree they should not be treated less generously.