§ 11. Mr. Finlayasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that married police officers who retired before World War II suffer deductions from their pensions if their total income, excluding the first £52, exceeds about £450; and whether, in view of the deterrent effect of these income limits upon provident retired police officers, he will review this position.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerNo, Sir, there are no such deductions from pensions. The conditions to which my hon. Friend refers apply only to additions to basic pensions payable under the Pensions (Increase) Acts, 1944–47, and I am afraid that some such limitations must necessarily be a feature of any scheme of assistance according to need.
§ Mr. FinlayIs my right hon. Friend aware that the imposition of these limits acts as a deterrent to police officers who put in some very useful work? Will he not look at the position again?
§ Mr. ButlerI have given my hon. Friend an answer to his Question, which relates to that particular period. The only fair way of dealing with this question is by reference in some way to total income.