§ 44. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for the Homo Department if he is aware that there is grave dissatisfaction amongst the 1493 retired police constables in this country owing to the inadequate provisions of the Pensions Increase Act, 1920, and the Pensions Act, 1921; that it is suggested in many quarters that the provision of granting pensions to widows of pensioners retiring after 1018 should be extended to all who were, or may become, widows of pensioners at the time of the inauguration: that it is felt that pensions should be more equalised, and that revision should be extended to include pre-War pensioners; and what action he is prepared to take to improve the conditions at present obtaining?
The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Bridge-man)I am aware that these suggestions have been put forward. They raise questions which cannot be decided with regard to police pensions alone, and to give effect to them would require legislation of which I regret I can hold out no prospect.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYIs the hon. Gentleman looking into this question at all, and can he promise a little more sympathy than his predecessor to these old police pensioners?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThat is a question that is familiar to almost everybody. I think everybody would be glad if something could be done. It is not a question of sympathy, but of money.
§ Sir JAMES REMNANTIn view of the admitted dissatisfaction in all the police forces, would the hon. Gentleman now consider it an opportune time to reappoint the Desborough Committee, at whose disposal most of the information is, the members of which are easily accessible, can be got together at a moment's notice, and will be glad to help him further?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI cannot quite admit the general dissatisfaction to which my hon. Friend refers, and I am not sure whether it would be practicable to re-appoint the Desborough Committee. I will consider whether it is.