HC Deb 28 June 1917 vol 95 cc513-4
32. Mr. ALLEN BAKER

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to an act of bravery and self-sacrifice on the part of Police-Constable Alfred Smith, of Fins-bury, performed during the air raid on London on the 13th instant, by which he lost his own life in his successful endeavour to get a large number of factory workers, mostly female, who had come into the street, which was being bombed, back into the building, thus in the per- formance of his duty saving many lives while losing his own; and has any special provision been made for the widow and child of the deceased constable?

Sir G. CAVE

The Commissioner of Police has already brought to my notice the circumstances in which this brave officer was killed, and I have granted to his widow and child the highest pension which the Police Act provides in the case of constables killed in the execution of their duty.

Mr. BAKER

Is it not a fact that had he lived one more year he would have had a larger pension? Would the right hon. Gentleman consider whether the larger pension might be granted?

Sir G. CAVE

I was not aware of that fact, but I shall certainly go to the utmost limits in my power.