§ Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total pension and lump sum, respectively, payable to the widow of a policeman killed in the course of his duty, in 1955, 1960, 1964 and 1969, respectively, on the basis that she had two dependent children and that her husband was earning £20 a week at the time of his death.
§ Mr. RossThere are two rates applicable, the augumented rate at present payable where the policemen's death occurs as the result of an attack, or of an injury received in effecting an arrest or preventing an escape or rescue, or while saving or preventing the loss of human life, and the special rate, payable where such circumstances do not apply. The total weekly amount payable under the augmented rate, including children's allowances and long-term social security benefits would have been £12 15s. 10d. in 1955, £13 12s. 10d. in 1960, £15 7s. 4d. in 1964 and £16 0s. 10d. in 1969. In addition, in 1964 and 1969 a lump sum gratuity of £2,200 and £2,720 respectively would have been paid. Lump sums were not payable before August, 1964, and the method of calculating them was changed in April, 1968.
Under the special rate the corresponding figures for the four years would have 135W been £9 9s. 2d., £10 6s. 2d., £12 9s. and £14 18s. 6d. a week respectively. No lump sums would have been payable.