HC Deb 25 October 1932 vol 269 cc802-3
23. Mr. RHYS DAVIES

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that, for a period of two years before the memorials to the missing at Thiepval and Arras were completed, an association at Albert, France, consisting apparently of British subjects, calling themselves the War Graves Photograph and Wreath Association, were circularising relatives of the soldiers whose names appear on these monuments for orders to place a wreath and supply a photograph showing the wreath placed and asking for payment of 5s. 6d. in advance for these services; that, after the recent unveiling ceremonies, quantities of artificial wreaths were spread about the monuments by this association having on them no indication to whom or for whom each wreath was intended to be laid; and that the wreaths were of inferior quality and were quickly damaged by rain and scattered by the wind, causing litter on and around the monuments; and whether, in view of the continued activity of the persons forming this association, the Secretary of State will take any steps to protect the relatives from practices of this kind?

Mr. COOPER

The Imperial War Graves Commission are aware of the activities of this association. The Commission issued "permits" to certain organisations which subject to observance of conditions specified in the permit, entitled the organisations to state that they had authority from the Commission to enter British cemeteries and memorials to lay wreaths and take photographs. This association once held such a permit which, however, was withdrawn some time ago. The Commission have issued warnings in the Press on this question, and are prepared to furnish to any relative a list of genuine permit holders. This association has now no official support or recognition of any kind.

Mr. DAVIES

Will the hon. Member tell the House on what grounds the War Graves Commission withdrew the permit given to this association; and whether the Government will make representa- tions to the French Government to put a stop to the unscrupulous practices of these people?

Mr. COOPER

I have not considered the question but I think it will be difficult for the Government to approach the French Government on the matter, as the men are British subjects and the association is a private concern. The permission which was granted was withdrawn because it was found that they were collecting money for laying wreaths on the graves before the memorials were finished and were taking photographs and sending them to relatives on the pay or return basis. This was strongly disapproved by the War Graves Commission.

Mr. DAVIES

Is it not the fact that if French subjects living in this country carried on these unscrupulous practices in the way British subjects are doing in France our own Government would take action in the matter?

Mr. COOPER

Not unless they were breaking the law.

Major LEIGHTON

Are there not legal steps which can be taken to put a stop to activities of this kind?

Mr. COOPER

I am afraid that there are no legal steps which can be taken.