HC Deb 30 October 1919 vol 120 cc860-1
23. Colonel YATE

asked whether the pay of the Royal Irish Constabulary has been raised correspondingly to the increased pay and allowances given to the Metropolitan and other police in Great Britain; and, if not, will he explain why this course has not been adopted?

Mr. MACPHERSON

A Bill is at present before the House in which power is sought to raise the pay of the Royal Irish Constabulary and Dublin Metropolitan Police according to the rates recently sanctioned for the police in Great Britain.

Colonel YATE

Will that Bill also deal with the question of pensions and pensioners who have already received pensions?

Mr. MACPHERSON

It deals with pay, pensions, and allowances, but it does not deal with the case of Royal Irish Constabulary and the Dublin Metropolitan Police pensioners; but, as I stated in the course of the Debate, I am in communication with the Treasury with regard to that point.

Sir F. HALL

Is it the intention of the Government to grant pensions to the widows of those officers who resigned previously to September, 1918?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I do not think so. I think the Bill, as at present drawn, deals only with men who were actually in the service on 1st April of this year.

Sir F. HALL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that there is a great feeling amongst the members of the police force on this matter at the present time at those widows being left out?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I will certainly look into the matter.