§ 29. Mr. Ronald Chamberlainasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will consider the grant of some more generous ex-gratia payment to the widow of ex-Inspector Syme, in addition to the nominal sum of £100 which was paid to her on Mr. Syme's death.
§ Mr. EdeThe grant to Mr. Syme was an exceptional ex-gratia payment, and I do not know of any new circumstances which would justify reconsideration of the matter.
§ Mr. ChamberlainIs my right hon. Friend aware that Mrs. Syme is now nearly 79 years of age, ill, and I understand in straitened circumstances? Is he not aware that many of us feel that justice was never done in this case?
§ Mr. EdeThis case received very favourable consideration from one of my predecessors, and I cannot review it.
§ Mr. GallacherDoes not the Home Secretary realise that this was one of the most gross and outrageous injustices ever perpetrated, that it was a tragedy for the late Inspector John Syme and for his wife and family? In view of the circumstances of his widow, surely the Home Office might make a gesture of some kind as a little compensation for what this woman has suffered.
§ Mr. ChamberlainI beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.