§ Mr. HIRSTasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Superintendent Davies and Inspector Price, of the Cardiff City Police Force; whether he is aware that the local authority are anxious to reinstate these officers and reassess their pensions; and whether, in view of the council's decision he will reconsider this matter?
§ Major BAIRDThis case has been frequently brought to my notice. The police authority desire to increase the pensions beyond the amount allowed by law, and I have no power to authorise such an application of public funds. When the police authority concerned put the question to me, I pointed out that the action they proposed would beultra vires, and I see no reason to depart from this view.