§ 19. Sir R. Youngasked the Secretary of State for War whether there is a definitely fixed sum deducted for coffining and other expenses incurred by the military authorities applicable in each case from the £7 10s. allowed for funeral purposes for deceased soldiers sent home for interment; whether the deduction includes the transit of the body by rail or otherwise; and whether any travelling expenses are allowed to nearest relatives when the burial is conducted by military authorities?
§ Sir J. GriggThe amount deducted is the actual cost, which, of course, varies. No deduction is made in respect of the cost of transit of the body, which is borne by the public. When the funeral is carried out under military arrangements, free return railway journeys for attendance at it are provided for two persons, one of whom must be a relative of the deceased.