HC Deb 19 January 1943 vol 386 cc14-5
16. Mr. Graham White

asked the Secretary of State for War whether an effective organisation for searching for the missing has now been established in the Middle East?

Sir J. Grigg

As was explained in an answer to my hon. Friend on 10th March, 1942, the primary responsibility for tracing missing soldiers rests with the local military authorities. Their organisation for carrying out this work has for a long time been effective. I am glad to say that owing to the improved situation in the Middle East, the local military authorities will in future be able to avail themselves of the assistance of voluntary workers organised by the War Organisation of the British Red Cross Society and Order of St. John, to carry out inquiries for the missing among patients in those military hospitals to which they can be given access in the Command. Steps have been taken to organise this service, which will shortly be started. Most of the searchers will be ladies who have had experience of this work in the United Kingdom.

Mr. White

Are we to assume that this is actually going on now?

Sir J. Grigg

I am not sure whether the ladies sent from this country have actually arrived, but they are on their way.