HC Deb 05 December 1946 vol 431 cc135-6W
98. Mr. Digby

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that policemen invalided out of the force before completing their 26 years' service, but who subsequently rejoined the force during the war and completed their full period, are not allowed to count this war service for pension purposes; and if he will take steps to end this apparent injustice.

Mr. Ede

If the hon. Member has in mind the case of a man in receipt of an ordinary medical pension granted under the Police Pensions Act, 1921, who subsequently served as a member of the First Police Reserve, the position is governed by the provisions of Section 27 of the Act which provides for the payment of a pension only in the event of incapacity or death as a result of an injury received in execution of duty, during the further period of service. Members of the First Police Reserve continued to draw their pensions during their period of re-employment and I would not feel justified in proposing legislation to provide that, in addition, their service in the First Police Reserve should count towards these pensions.