§ 38. Mr. HICKSasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the widow of a policeman who dies within five years of joining the police, and whose husband has paid more than 104 contributions, is debarred from pension under the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, 1925, as well as under the Police Pension Act; and if he will amend the Act so as to provide for such cases?
Sir H. YOUNGNo, Sir. A man who on joining the police is already insured and has paid 104 contributions can become a voluntary contributor, thus qualifying his wife for a widow's pension in the event of his death during police service.
Sir H. YOUNGIf he is not a voluntary contributor, in some cases he is not insured and receives no pension.
§ Mr. HICKSCould the right hon. Gentleman inform me as to the position of an individual so situated, where apparently he goes out of insurance under the National Health Insurance Scheme contracting out, and comes under the police regulations? If between the two years and the five years the unfortunate person dies, there is no pension available. Is that correct?
Sir H. YOUNGThe point is that during that period of the first five years in the police scheme there are accruing to him ultimate benefits which will be the equivalent of the benefits under the National scheme.
§ Mr. ATTLEEWhat benefit can there be for a man if the benefits will accrue in the future and he dies in the interim?
Sir H. YOUNGIf my hon. Friend will put down a question, he will be given full particulars of the benefits under the police scheme.