§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about pensions payable in respect of service with the Royal Irish Constabulary ;and whether, in view of the current inflation affecting recipients of those pensions, he will take steps to increase the rates payable.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsI have been asked to reply.
2,317 awards are in payment, of which 1,612 are paid to former officers and 705 are paid to widows. The awards are subject to cost of living increases under the Pensions (Increase) Act 1971 and were last increased by 26.1 per cent. from 1st December 1975.