§ THE MINISTER OF STATE, SCOTTISH OFFICE (LORD STRATHCLYDE)My Lords, these Regulations take account of changes in the National Insurance Scheme which were introduced by the National Insurance (No. 21 Act, 1957. I should perhaps remind your Lordships that the widows and children of certain policemen are not eligible for benefits under the National Insurance Scheme—it may be that the officer died before the introduction of the Scheme in 1948, or before he had paid sufficient contributions. Instead, Regulations were made to enable them to qualify for equivalent awards under the Police Pensions Scheme. The rates of these awards and the conditions on which they are to be granted are similar to those prescribed for the corresponding benefits under the National Insurance Scheme itself. As your Lordships will recall, the National Insurance (No. 2) Act, 1957, has recently increased the rate of National Insurance benefits. The purpose of these draft Regulations is to make possible similar increases in the awards under the Police Pensions Scheme.
I would add that my right honourable friend the Home Secretary has consulted the Police Council, in accordance with the requirements of the Police Pensions Act, 1948, and they have expressed their complete agreement with these proposals. I 1327 am sure that these Regulations, the purpose of which is to assist the widows and children of deceased police officers, will commend themselves to your Lordships' House. I beg to move that the Regulations be approved.
§ Moved, That the draft Police Pensions Regulations, 1958, be approved.—(Lord Strathclyde.)
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.