HC Deb 17 February 1920 vol 125 cc706-7
56. Mr. SEXTON

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the Liverpool Watch Committee have declined to pay the pensions which became due to members of the Liverpool City Police who were dismissed in August last; and what steps he is prepared to take in the matter, seeing that Section 2 of the Police Emergency Provisions Act, 1915, provides that the pensions shall not be liable to forfeiture except for such offences as are scheduled under the Police Superannuation Acts?

Mr. SHORTT

I understand that a few members of the Liverpool Police Force who were dismissed in consequence of their withdrawal from duty last summer had qualified for pensions by length of service, but that none of them had given notice of his wish to retire as required by Section 2 of the Police (Emergency Provisions) Act, 191ft. They did not, therefore, secure their pensions and have no legal right to them. It is, however, within the discretion of the Liverpool police authority to waive the formality of written notice, and to grant the men pensions of the amount they would have, received if they had been allowed to retire when they completed twenty-six years' service and if they decide to do so I would take no objections. The pensions would, however, take effect only from the termination of the War.

Mr. BILLING

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in several cases the men had given notice to go out of the service and were not allowed to leave, but that when the new regulations came in they were given a week's notice to clear out so as to get rid of them just in time to prevent them receiving the increased benefits which were really intended for them?

Mr. SHORTT

No.

Mr. BILLING

If I bring to the notice of the right hon. Gentleman several such cases, will he see that the men receive just treatment?

Mr. SHORTT

I will inquire into any case that may be submitted.

Mr. HOUSTON

Has the Watch Committee of the Liverpool City Council power to deal with this question?

Mr. SHORTT

Yes.