HC Deb 22 July 1952 vol 504 cc246-7
3. Mr. Simmons

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will consider amending the Royal Warrant governing the entitlement to pension for death or injury as a result of enemy action, in order to embrace certain classes for whom no provision is made at present, such as members of the Malayan Police Force who are in the position of front line soldiers in the present position.

Mr. Amory

No, Sir. Compensation is payable in respect of the death or injury of members of the Malayan Police Force under provisions which are administered by the Government of Malaya.

Mr. Driberg

Would the hon. Gentleman take into account the case, which I have sent to him, of a constituent of mine, an elderly widow, whose son was killed while serving in the Malayan Police Force and who was told in the official letter that her son had died for his country every bit as much as if he had been in the Army? Does that not suggest that there would be a certain equity in the suggestion of my hon. Friend?

Mr. Amory

I think the hon. Gentleman will agree that a matter of this kind is not for me and that the question should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Mr. Awbery

Should not a policeman who is on duty in a village on the edge of the jungle and is continuously in a dangerous position be treated in much the same way as a soldier who goes into the jungle occasionally?

Mr. Amory

I shall not express an opinion on that point. In this respect I must be limited by my statutory responsibilities, which do not cover the case which the hon. Gentleman has raised.

Mr. Simmons

Is it not true that the Minister is responsible under the Royal Warrant for civilian war casualties, Civil Defence casualties and the Merchant Navy? Surely this is only an extension of those responsibilities.

Mr. Amory

I am responsible within the limitations of the Acts for injuries arising out of these activities during the late war.