HC Deb 07 July 1920 vol 131 cc1439-40
36. Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEY

asked the Minister of Health if bodies of American soldiers interred in the Liverpool district are being exhumed for transfer to America; and, if so, will he state where these bodies are being recoffined and what arrangements are being made to avoid risk of infection?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Shortt)

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. These removals are being carried out by the United States military authorities with the aid of an expert staff and with the most careful precautions against the possibility of any risk to the public health. The remains are thoroughly disinfected immediately on the coffin being opened, and are at once replaced in a metal case, which is hermetically sealed. This takes place in the cemetery and is completed in a very short time after the exhumation. I am satisfied that no fear of any danger to the public health need be entertained.