§ 3. Mr. MANVILLEasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in order to obtain the fullest possible information about the missing, there are any objections to the Government offering rewards in Germany, Belgium, and France, for 719 such information; and whether he could see his way to publish in the "Times" and other papers lists of missing about whom information is required?
Captain GUESTEvery effort has been made to obtain information about the missing from all likely sources, and a great deal of information has been received enabling the fate of many officers and men to be cleared up. I do not think the adoption of my hon. Friend's suggestion would lead to any satisfactory result, and it is more than probable that much incorrect information would be received, which might lead to the raising of false hopes in the minds of relatives that missing men may have survived. I may mention that early this year a notice was published in the Press asking for the sending in of any available information about the missing. Numerous inquiries, but little information, resulted. Lists of missing have been circulated among prisoners of war camps in Germany and also among released prisoners in this country.
§ 4. Mr. MANVILLEasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in cases where the War Office is unable to give any information about missing officers and men, he will give permission to parents who desire to make a personal search to proceed to France; and whether, in cases where such parents require financial or other assistance to enable them to make the search, he will be prepared to afford facilities?
Captain GUESTA special permit is necessary at the present time to visit Paris and the occupied territories, but with these exceptions I understand there is nothing to prevent relatives applying for a passport to go to France or Belgium for this purpose. As, however, there is little or no prospect of private search parties meeting with success, I do not think it is desirable that these visits should be encouraged, and I regret it is not possible to render financial assistance in such cases.
§ 15. Mr. ROBERT YOUNGasked the Secretary of State for War whether Private A. Knowles, No. 35540, 6th Battalion, K.S.L. Infantry, was reported missing on 22nd March, 1918; whether the relatives of Private Knowles have communicated with the War Office, enclosing letters giving details of when and where he was killed; whether such communication has not been acknowledged; and 720 whether he will cause inquiries to be made for the purpose of verifying and reporting officially to the soldier's parents whether he is alive or dead?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Churchill)I am informed that the evidence in this case has been considered and accepted, and the relatives will hear shortly from the Record Office.