§ 14. Sir A. HOLBROOKasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a number of widows of ex-officers and men who died whilst serving His Majesty's forces during the War erected on war graves at their own expense memorial stones, prior to the Imperial War Graves Commission undertaking the supply and erection of such memorials; and whether any provision has been made whereby an equivalent refund or grant, including the cost of erection, may be authorised, after investigation, towards the cost of any memorial in lieu of the memorial since offered in such cases by the Commission?
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSYes, Sir, I am aware of the circumstances. The Imperial War Graves Commission have given consideration to the matter, but have not seen their way to make such a grant.
§ Sir A. HOLBROOKWould the hon. and gallant Gentleman be prepared to accept any special case for consideration?
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSI am afraid that, once you make exceptions, it is impossible to draw the line, and notice was given as early as possible in the War, in 1916, that tombstones could not be put up in France. It has been 1478 very thoroughly considered, and I can hold out no promise of any change of policy.