§ 35. Mr. BRIANTasked the Home Secretary if, considering the greatly increased cost of living and the fact that some of the police who retired prior to the passing of the Police (Pensions) Act of 1918, after twenty-six years of service, are only receiving a pension of £l per week, he will take steps to place all those who have retired on an equality with those who come under the operation of the Act of 1918; and if he will consider as to the granting of pensions to widows of police who died prior to September, 1918?
§ Mr. SHORTTWith regard to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to similar 1940 questions by several hon. Members yesterday and the day before. The proposal in the second part would involve a very heavy charge, which ought not to fall on police funds, and I do not see my way to initiate legislation for the purpose.