§ 26. Sir J. REMNANTasked the Prime Minister if legislation is necessary before the increase in the police pensions (pre 1st April, 1919) can be given; and, if so, when he proposes to introduce a Bill?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. A Bill will be introduced at the earliest possible date.
§ Sir J. REMNANTCan the same procedure be followed in this case as was followed in the increase of Old Age Pensions—done at one sitting—and has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the fact that since the declaration was made of the increase of pensions by the Leader of the House many deaths have occurred amongst these poor old pensioners whose lives might have been prolonged if the increase had been given earlier?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt will be pressed through at the earliest possible date, but the procedure of the House, of course, has to be complied with. In the other case the orders of the House were suspended because there was only one day left.
§ Mr. SEDDONWill it be retrospective to the date the Leader of the House promised the increase should be given?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI will consider that.