§ 12. Mr. F. Harrisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if provision is made to insure policemen and policewomen against loss of life while on duty.
§ Mr. RentonNo, Sir, not from public funds. The Police Pensions Regulations provide for special pensions to be payable to the dependants of officers who die as a result of injury received in the execution of their duty.
§ Mr. HarrisWould my hon. and learned Friend consider asking the Home Secretary to make a strong recommendation that the personnel of police forces throughout the country should be so insured for life, because the cost would be quite infinitesimal? When tragedies occurred, this would at least ease the financial burden sustained by wives and families of police officers and such a suggestion would receive the support both of the people and of this House.
§ Mr. RentonNo, Sir. We feel that the right way to deal with this matter—which obviously does need to be dealt with, and has been dealt with for many years—is to make sure that there are adequate benefits under the Police Pensions Regulations, which are approved by the Police Council. The current arrangements appear to give general satisfaction and are considered to be adequate.
§ Mr. Elwyn JonesIs the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that there is no feeling of satisfaction about the adequacy of the pensions of police widows, and that in West Ham in particular, which was the scene of the recent tragedy, there is a great feeling of indignation about the inadequacy of these pensions? Can he say what pension is payable to the widow of the shot police inspector?
§ Mr. RentonEach of the two widows whose husbands were shot the other day 1663 receives total pensions and benefits exceeding £10 a week.
§ Mr. HarrisIn view of the most unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.