HC Deb 21 March 1922 vol 152 cc222-3
37. Sir ARTHUR FELL

asked the Home Secretary what is the position of the Police Mutual Assurance Association; why it refuses to receive the payments due monthly by the old members; and what is the position of old sergeants and inspectors who have paid into this fund for 40 or 50 years past, and who are now informed that the association (old scale) is dead?

Mr. SHORTT

The Association in question is a voluntary organisation. It is not and never has been under Government control or supervision and no Government Department had any responsibility for its management. I understand that a recent examination of its finances has shown that funds are not available to meet the payments which would become due under the existing rules, and the committee have decided that entire re-organisation is necessary. A new society has been formed and members of the old association have been invited to transfer to the new society, of which the rules will provide for modified benefits subject to some immediate payments and increased contributions being forthcoming.

Sir A. FELL

Have these old sergeants who have been contributing for so long to this old society been informed there is some hope they may get some benefit?

Mr. SHORTT

Of course I have no personal knowledge, but I am told that they have.

Sir JAMES REMNANT

In the event of these old men not being sufficiently well off to continue their contributions or to pay a higher subscription, will some provision be made for them?

Mr. SHORTT

I do not know what it could be made from. There is nothing official about the fund.

Sir J. REMNANT

Is there anything in the fund?

Mr. SHORTT

I do not know.