HC Deb 10 July 1919 vol 117 cc1993-4
31. Sir F. HALL

asked the Home secretary whether he is aware of the great distress existing amongst many pensioners of the police force who left the service on or before the 31st August, 1918; whether, considering that when pensions were granted to these men they were based upon the then purchasing value of money, he intends to take steps to bring such pensions up to the same rate as those given to officers leaving the service on and after 1st Septembr, 1918; and, if not, how can such inequality be justified?

Mr. SHORTT

I am sorry that I do not see my way to introduce legislation for this purpose. The case of police pensioners is similar to that of other persons dependent for their living on small pensions or other fixed incomes the amount of which does not increase, though their purchasing value has greatly decreased.

Sir F. HALL

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate the difference between the pensions—the great difference between the pension which will be received By the officer who retired previously to the 1st September, 1918, and the pension granted to an officer retiring subsequently? Does he realise that the former pension is infinitely less than the latter, bearing in mind the purchasing power of a sovereign? Cannot something be done to alleviate the suffering and distress among these pensioners?

Mr. SHORTT

These police pensioners are in exactly the same position as pensioners from the whole of the Civil Service; it is a very large subject.

Sir F. HALL

Will these men be allowed eventually to go into the workhouse rather than that the Government should take stops to provide them with an adequate pension?

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Will the right hon. Gentleman confer with his colleagues and see if something cannot be done for these pensioners?

Mr. SHORTT

The matter will receive very careful consideration.

Sir F. HALL

May we anticipate something more than consideration?

32. Mr. GILBERT

asked the Home Secretary whether the Report of the Committee on Police Pay and Pensions has now been presented to the Government; whether it is proposed to circulate the Report to Members; and, if so, when will it be published?

Mr. SHORTT

I have received the Committee's Report, and the Government are giving immediate consideration to the important recommendations it contains. I hope it will be published early next week.