§ 62. Dr. Edith Summerskillasked the Minister of Health if he will arrange for those killed by enemy action in this country to be buried free of charge with the same honour due to a man killed on active service.
§ Mr. WillinkUnless the relatives of the deceased desire a private funeral, the burial of persons killed by enemy action is, under the Defence Regulations, carried out by the public health authority and the cost does not fall on the relatives or friends. Local authorities have been informed that funerals should be carried out with proper dignity, and I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of a circular sent to them on the 1st November, 1940.
§ Dr. SummerskillIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that few relatives of those killed in the blitz are aware of this regulation? Has any publicity been given to it?
§ Mr. WillinkMy recollection is that publicity was given to it at the time, but the hon. Lady will realise that it was at the height of the blitz in the autumn of 1940. However, local authorities should certainly take, and I think in most cases have taken, full note of it.