22. Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEYasked the Secretary of State for War how many graves in France and Belgium have not yet been taken over by the War Graves Commission; if he is aware that in certain areas isolated cemeteries are in a condition of neglect; and if he will say when the War Graves Commission will take over the whole of the graves in France and Belgium?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLSome 1,900 cemeteries in France and Belgium have been taken over by the Imperial War Graves Commission for maintenance, but there still remain some 1,400 to be transferred. With the exception of a few still being used for concentration, all these are in a forward state, and transfer is proceeding at the rate of about 32 a week. Every cemetery still in charge of the Directorate of Graves Registration and Inquiries is visited at least once a month. More than this cannot be done with the limited staff available, but where there are inhabitants near cemeteries not easy of access contracts for maintenance are made if possible.