§ 16. Mr. Gallacherasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that local police forces will not notify relatives of men of the Royal Navy who have been drowned and whose bodies have been recovered; that the consequent delay before the relatives are informed by the Admiralty leads in most cases to the relatives being unable to attend the funeral; whether in such cases the relatives will have their expenses paid to visit the grave; and whether he will take steps to 686 ensure that the relatives are notified immediately on bodies being identified, with a view to minimising the distress consequent upon such circumstances?
§ The Civil Lord of the Admiralty (Captain Austin Hudson)Local police cannot have information as to the nearest relative or friend whom the man has nominated as his next-of-kin, but whenever it is possible to do so the naval authorities inform the next-of-kin of the funeral arrangements in time to enable them to attend. The hon. Member will appreciate that this is not always possible in war time, and in such cases two travelling warrants may be issued on application to the Admiralty, to enable the next-of-kin and one other to visit the grave, if they are unable to afford the expense of the journey.
§ Mr. GallacherIs the Minister aware that, arising out of this Question, I have received further communications from relatives who have been in this position; and will he take every step to see that whatever is possible is done to ensure that relatives are advised of the time of the funeral?
§ Captain HudsonYes, Sir; I give that assurance.