HC Deb 02 July 1953 vol 517 c584
40. Mr. J. Hall

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give an estimate of the annual cost of paying the same basic pension to the widows of all police officers as is authorised under the Police Regulations, 1949, for the widows of police officers who died on or after 6th April, 1949.

Sir H. Lucas-Tooth

The additional annual cost of paying to police widows whose husbands died before 6th April, 1949, flat-rate pensions as provided by the Police Pensions Regulations, 1949, together with discretionary increases of 32s. 6d. a week where the prescribed conditions are fulfilled, is estimated to be £203,500.

Mr. Hall

While thanking my hon. Friend for the information, may I ask whether it is not a fact that the widow of a police officer who died before 4th July, 1948, receives appreciably less than the widow of an officer who died a day later? In view of the sum involved, which, by the nature of things, must be a diminishing amount, would my hon. Friend look at the matter again to see whether all the widows' pensions could be placed on the same basis?

Sir H. Lucas-Tooth

This is a difficult and technical matter. It was discussed fairly recently in the House, and I think that the House agreed with the Government's conclusions without a Division.

Mr. Foot

Is the Home Office determined to show the same miserable pusillanimity in this respect as they are showing in the case of Roger Casement?