§ 37. Mr. W. J. Brownasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made with paying out increased pensions due under the Pensions (Increase) Act to pensioners in the Metropolitan Police.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonGrants under the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1944, have been made to 2,750 Metropolitan Police widows and their children. 700 applications from widows and 7,000 applications from retired police officers are outstanding.
§ Mr. BrownDoes the Home Secretary realise that these figures mean that under an Act of Parliament which we passed last February and which operates from last January less than one-quarter of the applications have so far been dealt with, and will he remember in this connection that "He gives twice who gives quickly?"
§ Mr. MorrisonYes, Sir, an Act of Parliament may be passed, but administrative preparations have to be made. I have made inquiries and I think it is going with all reasonable speed. There are staffing difficulties; there has been evacuation, people are moving about, and 1921 often inquiries have to be made. I can assure the hon. Member that I want to get on with this, as quickly as I can.
§ Mr. BrownIs the Home Secretary aware that at the present rate of progress it will be four years before this is done and that half the fellows will be dead by that time?
§ Mr. MorrisonI think the hon. Member is being pessimistic.
Miss RathboneIs the Home Secretary aware that it is over two years since the House passed a unanimous recommendation on the subject of police pensions, especially for widows, and that absolutely nothing has resulted?
§ Mr. MorrisonThat is another matter.