§ 38. Sir JOHN PENNEFATHERasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that, under the Police Pensions Act of 1921, the widows of policemen with long service pensioned off before 1st September, 1918, get no pensions although the widows of policemen with short service pensioned off since that date are entitled to pensions; that 663 this enactment was contrary to a decision of the Standing Committee and that any provision which may be made for widows with young children would not apply to these elderly widows; and will he take action to place the widows of all police pensioners on the same footing regardless of the date of retirement and thus remove an injustice.
Mr. DAVIESThe present law is the decision of Parliament, and I cannot hold out any hope of action on the lines suggested in the last part of the question.
§ Mr. HAYESIs the hon. Gentleman prepared to introduce amending legislation, in view of the fact that, during the life of the Coalition Government, it was the House of Lords that turned down the Measure which was passed by this House? As there have been some changes, if only slight, in the House of Lords, might it not have a better chance next time?
Sir F. HALLIs the hon. Gentleman aware that Members on this side of the House have always pressed for consideration of the claims of widows of police pensioners who left before the 1st September, 1918, and will he see whether something can be done in that matter?
§ Colonel Sir CHARLES YATEWill they come under the Pre-War Pensions (Increase) Act?