§ 54. Mr. LUNNasked the Home Secretary the number of members of the Metropolitan and provincial police forces who, though having joined the service for 26 years in order to qualify for full pension, will be called upon to complete 30 years by the retrospective effect of the Police Pensions Act, 1021; and whether he will consider a memorial from the men in question whose original contract was cancelled, and appoint a committee of inquiry to examine the question of restoring the maximum period of service to 26 years?
§ Mr. LLOYDThe Police Pensions Act, 1921, provided that any man who joined the police force on or after 1st July, 1919, should serve 30 years for full pension. 830 This was in accordance with a specific recommendation made by the Desborough Committee in their report, made on that date, and must be regarded as part of the new conditions of service introduced on the committee's recommendations which, of course, immensely improved the emoluments of the police. I do not know how many men are affected, but they cannot be many. My right hon. Friend is not prepared to reopen the, matter.
§ Mr. LUNNIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there are policemen who are receiving pensions after 25 years' service, while other policemen equally eligible for pension are having to complete 30 years?