Royal Irish Constabulary (Pensions)

Oral Answers to Questions — Borstal System – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 21 March 1946.

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Photo of Reverend Dr James Little Reverend Dr James Little , Down 12:00, 21 March 1946

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will consider favourably the claim of the Royal Irish Constabulary pensioners who were pensioned before April, 1919, and increase their pensions to the amount now received by those who were pensioned after that date; and whether he will give favourable consideration to the granting of adequate pensions to the widows of those who served in the Royal Irish Constabulary.

Photo of Mr James Ede Mr James Ede , South Shields

It is an established principle that pensions should be calculated on the basis of the rate of pay and other conditions of service current at the time of retirement, and I am not prepared to pro pose any departure from this principle in the case of the Royal Irish Constabulary.

Ex-members of that force, who were pensioned before 1st April, 1919, have enjoyed the successive increases authorised by the Pensions (Increase) Acts of 1920, 1924 and 1944, subject to the conditions of those Acts. The widows of those who served in the Royal Irish Constabulary have also, in most cases, qualified for increases under the Pensions (Increase) Acts.

Photo of Reverend Dr James Little Reverend Dr James Little , Down

Is not the Minister aware that the cry of these pensioners and widows ascends to high heaven at the parsimony of this Government? [Laughter.]

Photo of Mr Ronald Ross Mr Ronald Ross , County Londonderry

Is the Minister aware that this is no laughing matter, and that these poor old men, after years of faithful service, are not given a pension large enough to enable them to live in ordinary decency?

Photo of Mr James Ede Mr James Ede , South Shields

I made no comment on the matter which entitled the hon. Member to direct to me the first part of his supplementary question —

Photo of Mr Ronald Ross Mr Ronald Ross , County Londonderry

I meant the right hon. Gentleman's Friends behind him.

Photo of Mr James Ede Mr James Ede , South Shields

It is impossible to deal with these State pensioners without dealing with all State pensioners who were retired at the same time.

Photo of Mr Ronald Ross Mr Ronald Ross , County Londonderry

Is the right hon. Gentle men aware that none are so badly off as the pre-1919 pensioners?

Photo of Mr James Ede Mr James Ede , South Shields

I know members of my own profession who have pre-1919 pensions, and who are in exactly the same position.