§ 60. Sir W. Allenasked the Home Secretary whether the pensions and allowances announced for widows and orphans of the police force will also include the widows and orphans of the old Royal Irish Constabulary, who performed their duties under successive British Governments; and will he also take into consideration the low pensions of old members of the Royal Irish Constabulary now suffering great hardship owing to increased cost of living, with the view to giving them an increase to their pensions?
Mr. H. HorrisonNo announcement has yet been made about any Government proposals on this subject, but my hon. and gallant Friend has no doubt in mind the recommendations of a recent Departmental Committee which reviewed the provision made since 1918 for pensions and allowances for widows and orphans of members of police forces in Great Britain. The Committee's proposals do not affect any earlier pensions. The pensions payable as a result of service in the Royal Irish Constabulary were increased by the Pensions (Increase) Acts, 1920 and 1924, and it has been stated by successive Governments that they cannot contemplate legislation to amend the Pensions (Increase) Acts and that Royal Irish Constabulary pensioners cannot be treated differently from other persons who are within the scope of those Acts.
§ Sir W. AllenDoes my right hon. Friend realise that the old pensioners of the Royal Irish Constabulary were engaged in a service very different from any other, and that they have had a very strenuous time? Will he reconsider the position of these old men who are gradually dying off in penury and misery?
Mr. MorrisonI think my hon. and gallant Friend is exaggerating the issue. I am afraid I cannot undertake to reconsider the matter, because I am perfectly certain if I did, I should have a whole series of repercussions from other Departments.