HC Deb 18 November 1942 vol 385 cc337-8
36. Sir A. Southby

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the widow of a naval officer-is provided with a free travel warrant when attending an Investiture in order to receive a decoration for distinguished service awarded posthumously to her husband?

Mr. Alexander

Yes, Sir The next-of-kin of a deceased naval officer or man summoned to attend an Investiture to receive a decoration is granted a free return railway warrant for the journey. This concession is also available for the relative who is invited to accompany the next-of-kin to the ceremony. Instructions for obtaining warrants are sent with the summons to the Investiture, from the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood.

Sir A. Southby

In view of the difficulties which might arise about granting a travelling warrant of the same class as that to which the lady would have been entitled had her husband been alive, would my right hon. Friend see that the widows of all these heroes are sent to London first-class when they go to receive the decorations won by their husbands?

Mr. Alexander

That is a matter which must be dealt with on the basis of all the Services, and not of one in particular, but I will draw the attention of the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the question which the hon. and gallant Member has put.