HC Deb 08 April 1941 vol 370 cc1402-3
33. Sir Hugh O'Neill

asked the Secretary for State for War whether he has any information as to the state of the British war cemeteries situated in territory now occupied by the enemy?

Mr. Law

The Imperial War Graves Commission are still without definite information as to the condition of the great majority of the British war cemeteries in France. In a few cases they have heard of devoted care given to the graves by the local population, and in no case have they heard of wanton damage or disrespect. As regards the cemeteries in Belgium, they have lately heard that the Belgian authorities have carried out the reverent and seemly collection and reburial of the bodies of the British dead of May and June, 1940, and have also assumed the care of the British war cemeteries of 1914–1921. A suitable acknowledgment of this generous action has been sent. As regards Poland, Holland, Norway and other occupied countries, where relatively few British officers and men are buried, the Commission are so far without information.

Sir H. O'Neill

What has happened to the British personnel who were looking after those graves? Have they all been brought back to this country, or are they remaining?

Mr. Law

I cannot answer that question without notice.