HC Deb 29 October 1919 vol 120 cc657-8
48. Colonel ASHLEY

asked the Prime Minister whether, in order to mark the deep and lasting gratitude of the nation to those who fell while serving in the ranks during the late War, the Government will transfer from overseas the body of an un- known private soldier and give it burial with due pomp and ceremony in West-minister Abbey?

Mr. BONAR LAW

In my opinion the feeling expressed in the question, with which, not only the Government, but I am sure the whole nation deeply sympathise, is carried out in a more impressive way by the decision, already announced, to reproduce in a permanent form the Cenotaph in Whitehall, which, as its name implies, is intended to represent an Imperial grave of all those citizens of the Empire, of every creed and rank, who gave their lives in the War.

Mr. BOTTOMLEY

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that such a function as is proposed would be a source of enormous comfort to the parents of every boy whose resting place is unknown to see someone who is the recipient of this honour?

Mr. BONAR LAW

That must be a matter of opinion. In my opinion what we have done I think represents more truly English feeling, but if there is a feeling in this House that my opinion is wrong I should gladly accede to it.

Mr. STANTON

Who is responsible for looking after the Cenotaph? As I was going down the street—

Mr. SPEAKER

That does not arise out of the question.

Mr. STANTON

It does arise, but you will not give me a chance.

Mr. REMNANT

Has this compliment not already been paid by the French nation?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I do not think they have adopted the plan to which I have already referred. Besides, lit a matter of this kind a thing, hick appeals most to one nation might not-appeal to another. I think what we have done more truly represents British feeling on this subject.

Mr. STANTON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that quite a crowd of people fail to take off their hats and show respect to those who died for them? I noticed that coming down the street.

Mr. J. JONES

You can take your hat off. Some of us are bald.

Mr. STANTON

You may be bald, but you need not be brainless.