§ THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (LORD MANCROFT)My Lords, there are two similar Motions standing in my name on the Order Paper. With the permission of the House, perhaps I may speak briefly on them together. The principal purpose of both sets of regulations forming the subject of the Motions is to grant increases in pensions corresponding to those provided under the National Insurance Act, 1954, to the widows and children of certain police officers who are not eligible to receive them under the National Insurance scheme direct. The regulations are in no way controversial and the Police Council whom my right honourable friend the Home Secretary has consulted, as required by the Police Pensions Act, have expressed their agreement with them.
I should perhaps mention that in the light of your Lordships' comments—and some really outspoken comments at that—when similar changes in the regulations were made on a previous occasion, my right honourable friends the Home Secretary and the Secretary of State for Scotland have taken this opportunity of consolidating the regulations to the extent permitted by the Police Pensions Act, 1948. For the reasons which the then Lord Chancellor, Lord Simonds, explained, the Act does not permit of a complete consolidation. Advantage has been taken in the consolidation to tidy up the regulations, to remedy a number of deficiencies, and to omit some provisions. I commend these Regulations to your Lordships in the belief that they will assist a body of pensioners who 5 deserve well of the community. I beg to move the first of the Motions standing in my name on the Order Paper.
§ Moved, That the Police Pensions Draft Regulations, 1955, reported from the Special Orders Committee on Wednesday last, be approved.—(Lord Mancroft.)
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.