HC Deb 17 October 1918 vol 110 c265
22. Mr. CROOKS

asked the Home Secretary whether he will favourably consider making the wives of existing Metropolitan Police pensioners eligible for the new widow's pension in the event of their becoming widows?

Sir G. CAVE

The widows of pensioners who rejoined for service during the War, and who were actually serving on 1st September, 1918, will be eligible for pensions, but it would not be practicable to include the wives of other members of the force who have retired on pension.

Mr. ALDEN

Is he aware that there are many hundreds of these widows who are absolutely destitute and who are receiving charity on all hands, that their only method of obtaining any money whatever is to work in the various police courts, and that there is a large number of these who have no work whatever and are starving?

Sir G. CAVE

I do not think that really arises out of the answer.

Mr. ALDEN

But I want to know whether these pensions will be made retrospective?

Sir G. CAVE

I could not deal with that. It is part of a very large question affecting pensions of all kinds.

24. Mr. KING

asked the Home Secretary whether he will make a statement about the recent strike of members of the Metropolitan police?

Sir G. CAVE

I hope to have an early opportunity of referring to this matter.

Mr. KING

Is it not the fact that the right hon. Gentleman admitted his error so greatly that he submitted his resignation to the Prime Minister in this connection?