§ 47. Sir J. BUTCHERasked the Prime Minister whether the promised Increase of Pension Bill for pre-War pensioners and pensioners of the Royal Irish Constabulary who retired prior to 1st April, 1919, will be introduced before the Adjournment of the House; and, if not, whether, in view of the necessitous condition of these men, he will make the Bill retrospective?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANAs has already been announced, there is not time to introduce this Bill before the autumn, when my right hon. Friend will consider the possibility of providing for its taking effect as originally intended from the 1st instant, so that the delay in its introduction may not penalise the beneficiaries.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERDo I understand that the Bill will deal with the pre-War pensioners of the Royal Irish Constabulary as well as other old pensioners?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThat is the question to which I have just read the answer.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs it not the fact that these Royal Irish Constabulary are to be included in the Pre-War Pensions (Increase) Bill?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONCan we have an assurance that these men will be included?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI think that the answer which I have given is quite plain, but if my right hon. Friend has any doubt about it, he could put down a question and the Prime Minister could make it clearer.
§ Mr. PRINGLEMay I point out that the question does not ask whether the Royal Irish Constabulary are included, but that it assumes that they are?
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Prime Minister answered this question the other day, and said that they would be retrospective from the 1st of July?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI have read out the answer which was given from the Prime Minister, and I do not see how it can have more than one meaning.
§ 79. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the widespread interest taken in the Pre-War Pensions (Increase) Bill, to be introduced by the Government during the Autumn Session, he can give any indication of the scope of the Measure; whether its provisions will extend to pensioners who do not in present circumstances come within the range of the Pre-War Pensions (Increase) Act; and can he say whether the limitation of 60 years of age will be removed.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI think it will be more convenient that this matter should be discussed as a whole when the Bill is introduced, and I hope my hon. Friend will concur in this view.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEWhen is the Bill to be introduced?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI think and hope about the second or third day after the House reassembles.