GOVERNMENT AID TO DEPENDANTS OF SPECIAL CONSTABLES

Inche Ahmad Bin Ibrahim asked the Chief Secretary if any aid has been provided by the Government to the families or dependants of those Special Constables who have died while they were in service.

Mr Higham: Pensions are payable to dependants of Special Constables killed on duty. Regulations governing the grant of such pensions have recently been made by the Governor in Council and provide for a temporary allowance to a widow for three months at the rate of pay drawn at the time of death, and thereafter a pension at one-third of this rate.

Pensions are also payable at one-fifteenth of this rate in respect of each child up to six. In special circumstances, pensions may also be paid to parents and orphan brothers or sisters, and, in addition, education allowances are provided for.

Mr Lee Kuan Yew: Will the Chief Secretary inform us what form of compensation or gratuity is given in the case of those not killed on active service?

Mr Higham: This may seem a hard answer, but the answer is No, Sir.

Mr Lee Kuan Yew: Will the Chief Secretary tell us what is the answer in the case of those in the ordinary Police Force?

Mr Higham: I am afraid I cannot give the hon. Member any exact information. The regulations are laid down, 1 think, in the Police Pay Code. Special Constables are treated in exactly the same way as any other temporary Government servant.