HC Deb 25 February 1919 vol 112 c1614W
Mr. ROWLANDS

asked the Home Secretary whether the Committee. which is inquiring into police grievances has instructions to consider the case of the old pensioners whose pension is 14s. a week less than that of the men who now retire; and, if such instruction has not been given, will he take the case of these old men into his consideration, with a view of giving them relief under the existing cost of living?

Mr. GILBERT

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction that exists amongst all police pensioners who were pensioned before the amending Act of last Session; and whether in view of the present purchasing value of money and the other pension advantages given in the recent Act to the police force, he proposes to consider the revision of all police pensions at an early date?

Mr. SHORTT

I regret that it is impossible to distinguish police pensions from Civil Service and other pensions, and, therefore, the question cannot come within the scope of the proposed Committee of Inquiry.

Mr. RAMSDEN

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the depreciation in the value of money since the War, he is prepared to consider a revision of the pensions to all police officers who retired just before the War and who are now suffering in comparison with officers who retire on pensions based on higher wages with war increases and war bonuses; and whether he will suggest sympathetic consideration of the grievances to all the police authorities in the country?

Mr. SHORTT

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to-day to questions on this subject by the hon. Members for Dartford and Southwark.