62 .Sir F. HALLasked the Secretary of State for the Home Departnment whether he is aware that widows of police officers who died or resigned on or before the 31st August, 1918, are debarred from 210 receiving any pension; and whether, taking into consideration the excellent work that has always been rendered by the police force, he will reconsider this decision in order that all widows of police officers maybe placed in the same position as widows of officers who left the service on or after the 1st September last?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Shortt)Pensions are at present being paid to widows of constables who died from injuries received in the execution of duty before September, 1918. I do not see my way to propose legislation for extending the benefits conferred by the Act of 1918 beyond the limits laid down by Parliament so recently as last year.
Sir F. HALLIf the Home Office and the Government acknowledge that the widows of police officers who resigned from the service on or after 1st September, 1918, are entitled to consideration, is it contended that in the case of officers who resigned previous to that date widows are not entitled to the same assistance from the State?
§ Mr. SHORTTThat was the decision of Parliament only last year.
Sir F. HALLWill the right hon. Gentleman look into the matter and see if some alteration cannot be made in order that these widows might be suitably looked after.