§ Mr. MACQUISTENasked the Secretary for Scotland whether policemen who became pensioners since April last are receiving pensions 150 per cent. higher than those who retired in 1914; that the latter are now in dire distress, some in the workhouse in Glasgow and others in the old men's home; and whether he will take steps immediately to remedy this anomaly?
§ Mr. MUNRORepresentations have been made to me indicating that the figures given in the first part of the question are substantially correct, and that there have been individual cases of distress such as my hon. and learned Friend refers to in the second part, owing to the increased cost of living. Much as I sympathise with the pensioners who, like others dependent on small fixed incomes, are adversely affected by present conditions, I regret that as my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has frequently stated in reply to similar questions, I cannot hold out any prospect of the introduction of legislation by the Government on their behalf.