§ 7. Mr. Hannanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that when the lives of firemen are lost in the course of duty the pension payable to widows is equal to one-third of the deceased husband's wage; and if he will take steps to increase the proportion to one-half.
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. John Maclay)The widow of a regular fireman killed on duty receives a special pension of at least one-third of her husband's average pensionable pay, including any national insurance award. The Joint Pensions Committee of the Central Fire Brigades Advisory Council and the Scottish Central Fire Brigades Advisory Council is looking into the question of firemen's widows' pension and I must await the results of this inquiry before I can consider the matter any further.
§ Mr. HannanI appreciate that answer, but will the Secretary of State for Scotland bear in mind that hitherto pen- 6 sions and conditions of firemen and policemen have been looked on as approximating one to the other? Since the widows of policemen killed on duty receive a half-pension, will the Minister bear that in mind when the Report comes before him?
§ Mr. MaclayI am aware of what the hon. Gentleman has said, but I think he will agree with me that I must await the Report from the Council.