§ 76. Mr. Lipsonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware of the inadequacy of the present pension for war-disabled ex-members of the police force; and if he will take steps to increase it.
§ Mr. EdeNo, Sir. Police officers who are incapacitated as a result of war injuries sustained on duty receive pensions on the highest scale of special pensions for which the Police Pensions Act, 1921, provides.
§ Mr. LipsonIs the Home Secretary aware that under that Act the pensions are fixed at a very low level as compared with the present cost of living? Will he not look at these figures again, because these men are suffering financial hardship and feel that they are being unjustly treated?
§ Mr. EdeAs the hon. Member knows, a new Police Pensions Bill is now going through Parliament. When it is passed, I will examine the issue in the light of the powers I have for making regulations.
§ Mr. TiffanyCan my right hon. Friend say what pensions go to the widows of officers killed on duty, and whether he considers them adequate?
§ Mr. EdeI took particular care, in the Bill now before Parliament, to obtain powers whereby I could deal with this matter by regulation. At the moment I am confined to the limitations imposed by the 1921 Act.