Lieut.-Colonel H. Morrisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement regarding the position under the National Insurance Acts of serving police officers of less than 17 years' service; if their rights under the Police Pensions Act, 1921, will be fully maintained on the basis of their existing superannuation deductions; and if they will qualify also in future for the benefits of the National Insurance Acts.
§ Mr. EdeYes, Sir. I understand that a rumour is current among the police to the effect that it is intended that serving police officers with less than 17 years' service are to be deprived of their rights under the Police Pensions Act, 1921, are to have their superannuation deductions returned to them, and are in future to qualify only for the benefits of the new National Insurance Acts. I am glad to have this opportunity of stating that this rumour is entirely without foundation; no such proposal has at any time even been considered by the Government.