§ Mr. LYNNasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he will give favourable consideration to the claim of Royal Irish Constabulary pensioners for an increased allowance; and whether he is aware that these men are now in distress owing to the increased cost of living and to the fact that outside Ulster they find it difficult to get employment?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI am aware that Royal Irish Constabulary Pensioners are seriously affected by the increased cost of living, and that in parts of Ireland they find difficulty in obtaining employment. The question of increasing pensions was carefully and sympathetically considered when the recent Police Bill was being framed, but it was found impossible to make provision for increasing existing pensions. I regret that I can hold out no hope of securing an alteration of that decision.