64. Mr. GIDEON MURRAYasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that in Glasgow there are ninety-four police pensioners who retired before April, 1919, whose pensions are at the rate of 14s 4d. per annum; and whether, pending any arrangement by the Government for dealing with this question on a 1134 national basis, permission may be granted to the Glasgow Corporation to pay out of the police rate an addition to the present inadequate allowances?
§ The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. Munro)I understand that the facts are as stated in the first part of the question. As regards the second part, I am advised that it would not be competent for the corporation to make a payment of the nature suggested from the Police Rate, and I have no power to grant permission for the purpose.
§ Mr. MUNROI can only, on that matter, refer my hon. Friend to quite a number of replies which have been given on the floor of this House by nay right hon. Friend the Home Secretary.
§ Mr. MUNROMy right hon. Friend pointed out more than once the difficulty of dealing with a small class of people which would open up a very large and difficult question.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs not the time come when this question should be dealt with in all its aspects, and on a national basis?
Sir F. HALLIs the reply not practically an acknowledgement of the justification of this measure, but that in consequence of the cost the Government are not able to carry it out? Is not that the meaning?
§ Mr. MUNROI would not say that. We must all have sympathy with the men, who have done very great service in the past.