§ 10. Sir Ian Fraserasked the Secretary of State for War if he will advise the War Graves Commission, when it applies for a new charter for the second world war, to include in the new charter powers to enable it to look after the graves of all ex-Service men and women of all future wars or warlike operations or who die on active service at any time in the future.
§ Mr. M. StewartMy right hon. Friend is not at present prepared to invite the Imperial War Graves Commission to apply for an indefinite extension of its purposes and powers as suggested. Provision is contained in the present charters, which cover the recent war, enabling the Commission by agreement to meet the wishes of any Government of the Empire concerning any place of burial or memorial not already within the Commission's powers. A similar provision would, no doubt, be included in any new charter which may be required as occasion arises.
§ Sir I. FraserWill the hon. Gentleman represent to the Secretary of State the feeling that ex-Service men or women, whenever or wherever killed, are entitled to the same honourable burial and care of 5 their graves as those who died in the two great wars?
§ Mr. StewartYes, Sir, but honourable burial and proper care of the graves are ensured whether they come within the purview of the War Graves Commission or not.