§ 28. Mr. GILBERTasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what arrangements have been made with the Belgian and French Governments for the preservation and upkeep of British soldiers' graves in both countries?
Captain GUEST (Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury)The Imperial War Graves Commission is charged with this duty. All British war cemeteries in France, Belgium, and other countries will be maintained by this Commission, and for this purpose satisfactory agreements have been concluded with the Governments of the countries concerned.
§ 63. Mr. STANTONasked the Secretary of State for War if he will request the Director of Graves Department to take immediate steps to supply photographs of the graves of our gallant dead to their 391 anxious waiting relatives; will he state what is now being done in this matter; and will he make inquiries into this treatment of people who gave their sons to save this country?
§ 64. Mr. GILBERTasked if the Graves Registration Committee can supply photographs, when obtainable, of the graves of soldiers who are buried in France or Belgium; if such photographs are supplied free; and, if not, what is the charge for the same, and to whom should the relatives apply if they desire them?
Captain GUESTThe Directorate of Graves Registration and Inquiries is supplying photographs of graves free of charge to relatives on request as quickly as circumstances permit. Photographs of registered identified graves have been supplied since June, 1915, funds for the purpose being generously supplied by the Joint War Committee of the British Red Cross Society and the Order of St. John of Jerusalem. Since that date 98,300 photographs have been sent out. All applications for photographs should be addressed to the Directorate of Graves Registration and Inquiries, Winchester House, St. James's Square, London, S.W.1. Relatives are informed when notification of death is sent that photographs will be supplied if such application is made.
§ Mr. STANTONIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware of the fact that I have for eighteen months endeavoured to get a photograph of my son's grave, and have not been able to get it yet? I have written repeatedly to the Director of Graves.
§ Mr. STANTONI am getting a bit impatient about it.
§ Mr. GILBERTCan relatives obtain more than one photograph, and will they be given free or a charge made?