§ 28. Mr. E. J. Williamsasked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the communication from the National Association of Retired Police Officers as regards police pensions; and what action he proposes to take to redress their grievances?
§ Sir J. SimonThis communication has only just been received; but I should say at once that the proposals which it makes for the grant of pensions to widows of police who left the various forces before the passing of the Police (Pensions) Act, 1918, which granted pensions to widows of men then serving or joining subsequently, and for the grant of pensions based on present rates of pay to men who left the forces before those rates were applied, have been examined many times by successive Governments, but it has never been possible to hold out hope of the necessary legislation being passed to give effect to them.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsWill the Home Secretary reconsider the whole matter on representations from the National Association?
§ Sir J. SimonThe communication comes, I think, from the National Association. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that it follows the representations 521 made to successive Governments, and I am afraid I cannot add to my answer.
§ Mr. ThorneDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think these men are entitled to an increased allowance on account of the cost of living?
§ Mr. R. C. MorrisonWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that this class of persons is rapidly diminishing and many of them are living in great poverty? Will he not see whether it is possible to do something for these forgotten people?
§ Sir J. SimonIt is a question really of what the Statute Law provides, and not a question whether we feel or do not feel sympathy with a particular case. I am sorry, but the provisions of the Police Act, 1918, and other Acts lay down the limit of my powers.