§ 3.48 p.m.
§ THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (LORD MANCROFT) rose to move, That the Draft Police Pensions (No. 3) Regulations, 1956, reported from the Special Orders Committee on Wednesday, the 12th instant, be approved. The noble Lord said: My Lords, these Regulations have been prepared to take account of changes in the National Insurance Scheme introduced by the Family Allowances and National Insurance Act. 1956. Since July. 1948, the widows and children of certain police officers who are not eligible to receive the benefits of the National Insurance Scheme direct have been able to qualify for equivalent awards under the Police Pensions Scheme. The rates of these awards, and the conditions on which they can be granted, are related to those prescribed for the corresponding benefits 1330 under the National Insurance scheme itself.
§ As your Lordships will recall, the Family Allowances and National Insurance Act, 1956, has increased the rates of allowance in respect of children, and has extended the conditions on which certain benefits are payable. The present Regulations take account of these improvements. I should perhaps add that my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department has consulted the Police Council in accordance with the provisions of the Police Pensions Act, and the Council have endorsed the proposed changes. As have explained, the purpose of these Regulations is to assist the widows and children of deceased police officers, and I commend them to the House. I beg to moved.
§ Moved, That the Draft Police Pensions (No. 3) Regulations, 1956, reported from the Special Orders Committee on Wednesday, the 12th instant, be approved.—(Lord Mancroft.)
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.