§ Mr. GARDNERasked the Home Secretary the number of persons of all ages, over 60 and over 65, in receipt of police pensions; the total cost and from what, sources it is met; and whether any estimate is available of future numbers and cost?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe total number of ex-members and widows and children of members of police forces in England and Wales who are in receipt of pensions and allowances is 33,655. I am not in a position to state the number who are over the ages mentioned. The total amount paid by way of pensions, allowances and gratuities in 1925–26 was £3,959,262, and the estimated figure for the current financial year is £4,418,500. The cost is met in part (about one-eighth) by the statutory contributions from the pay of serving members of the force and other receipts, and the balance from the rates and the Exchequer. Preparations are being made for an actuarial investigation into the future numbers and cost.