HC Deb 08 August 1916 vol 85 cc860-1
47. Mr. BUTCHER

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the widow of the late District-Inspector Smyth, who was killed in the performance of his duties by the rebels in the recent Irish rebellion, has been awarded a pension of only £60 a year with an allowance of £20 a year for each of his four children until they attain the age of fifteen; and whether, in view of the fact that District-Inspector Smyth was an able and distinguished officer with 16½ years' service in the Royal Irish Constabulary, was in receipt of £500 a year in pay and allowances, and held analogous rank to that of a major in the Army whose widow would be entitled to a pension of £140 a year with an allowance of £20 a year for each child until they attained the age of eighteen, he will take steps to ensure that the widow of this officer shall be awarded a suitable pension with proper allowances for her children?

Mr. SAMUEL

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. The widow and children of the late District-Inspector Smyth have been awarded a pension and allowances at the rates mentioned, which, in view of the exceptional circumstances in which the officer met his death, are double the rates ordinarily applicable to this case by Statute. The late officer had a salary of £250 per annum with pensionable allowances of £85 per annum. There is no ground for comparing his rank with that of major in the Army. The provision made for his family has been calculated on the same basis as the provision for other constabulary ranks in like circumstances.

Mr. BUTCHER

Is there no power to grant reasonable compensation to the widow of this officer who lost his life in the public service?

Mr. SAMUEL

The statutory allowance has already been doubled by the Government in view of these circumstances.

Mr. BUTCHER

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the amount awarded is exceedingly inadequate to meet the circumstances of this very hard case?

Mr. HUGH LAW

Will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider this matter in view of the fact that a specially gallant officer lost his life, and the circumstances of his death were particularly distressing?