§ 51. Mr. GRAHAM WHITEasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that a pre-War police pensioner, to obtain an increase under the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1920, is obliged to fill up forms stating his income from all sources and also the income of his wife, while a pensioner under the Desborough Report is not so obliged however large his income may be and if he can see his way to withdraw this requirement in the case of the pre-War pensioner so that both classes may be placed on equal terms?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. William Graham)The increases granted under the Pensions (In. crease) Act represent a voluntary addition made by Parliament to the normal service pensions, subject to the pensioner satisfying the pension authority under Section 2 (3) of the Act that his means are within the statutory limits. A statement of income from all sources is therefore obligatory under the terms of that Act if a pensioner is to satisfy the pension authority, whereas pensions granted under the Police (Pensions) Act are normal service pensions which are awarded, like service pensions generally, without reference to pecuniary need, and therfore without a statement of income.
§ Major HORE-BELISHAWill the hon. Gentleman undertake to remove this anomaly?
§ Mr. GRAHAMNo. I cannot give a pledge of that kind, because the cases are on an entirely different footing.