§ 24. Mr. LUNNasked the Under-Secretary of State for War, if his attention has been called to circulars which are being sent out by a particular firm, called the War Graves Wreaths Company, to the relatives of those who have sons and husbands buried in France and Belgium asking that they should forward 35s., when a wreath will be placed on the grave of their relative; 2138 and is it with the permission of the War Graves Commissioners that this company carries out the functions which it advertises?
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, no special permission is required in order to lay wreaths on War Graves, and many relatives desire to have them laid. On the information before me, I do not think that any grounds for interference with the Company referred to are disclosed.
§ Mr. LUNNIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware of the resentment on the part of many relatives at the manner in which companies like this are not only exploiting the pockets but also the feelings of the relatives of those who are buried in those cemeteries?
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSI think it would be contrary to public sentiment to forbid the laying of these wreaths. Undoubtedly there is a very considerable response to the various organisations, apart from the activities of this company, who assist relatives in laying wreaths.
§ Mr. SHORTWould it not be better for the War Graves Commission to do this work instead of a private company?
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSThe War Graves Commission could not possibly do it. It is very complicated work, and several organisations which went into it on approximately the same charges have had to drop it because they were making a loss.
§ Mr. J. JONESThey are making a profit out of the dead, just as they do out of the living.