HC Deb 10 May 1922 vol 153 cc2183-4
64. Sir MAURICE DOCKRELL

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that Samuel Williams obtained permission to retire on pension from the Dublin Metropolitan Police in April, 1917, for service in France, and served with the colours until May, 1920, and when he retired in 1917 had completed 32 years of police service, only requiring two years of further police service to qualify him for a pension of £3 4s. per week, instead of the pension of £l 2s. 8d. per week which is now being paid him; and is it possible to regard his military service as supplemental to his police service, and entitling him to the higher pension which is given for 34 years' police service?

The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Sir Hamar Greenwood)

This ex-constable applied for and was granted permission in April, 1917, to retire on pension in order to go to France and take up certain Government labour employment. He had then 32 years' service and was discharged on the maximum pension payable in his case. In view of the fact that he ceased to be a member of the Dublin Metropolitan Police before joining His Majesty's Forces, there would appear to be no legal power to regard his military service as supplemental to his police service for purposes of pension.

Sir M. DOCKRELL

Was not this poor man encouraged to join the forces, and why is he then to be treated in this shabby way?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

Members, both of the Dublin Metropolitan Police and of the Royal Irish Constabulary, were asked to join, and did join in large numbers. Their service was a continuing one. This man asked for retirement, not for continuing service.

Sir M. DOCKRELL

Was it not for further service?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

That I do not know; but I know he asked for leave to retire.

Sir M. DOCKRELL

The right hon. Gentleman might kindly inquire and see what he can do for him?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

I regret that there is no legal power to grant him the pension he would have received had he had continuous service in cither the police or the military forces. I regret that I have no power.

Sir M. DOCKRELL

You have the power.

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