§ 32. Colonel Sir J. REMNANTasked the Prime Minister if he is now in a position 25 to say what decision he has arrived at with a view to increasing the pensions granted to the police prior to 1st April, 1919?
§ 35. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to give the House any further information regarding the progress of the Special Committee set up by the Cabinet to inquire into necessitous cases amongst pre-War pensioners?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am sorry that I can as yet add nothing to the answer given on Wednesday last to the hon. Member for Kettering.
§ Sir J. REMNANTIn view of the greatly increased cost of living and consequent distress to those poor old pensioners, if I put down a question for next Monday, will the right hon. Gentleman be then able to give a definite answer on this matter?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI communicated with the Chairman of the Committee and I am afraid it would not be possible to give an answer as soon as that.
§ Sir J. REMNANTIf I put it down for the following Monday?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWWe shall do our best.
§ Sir E. CARSONMay I asked if these inquiries also include the promises that were given to the Royal Irish Constabulary pensioners?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI think so.
§ Mr. BILLINGHaving regard to the opinion of this House, as expressed when it had the opportunity of doing so, may I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman will give the House an opportunity of expressing an opinion on the whole question of pre-War pensioners?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am quite aware of the feeling of the House but I think the House will also recognise the difficulty of it and that it is quite right to give us a reasonable time.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKECan the right hon. Gentleman give us the name of the Chairman of this Committee?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWHe is a member of the Cabinet and it is not usual to give the individual name.