HC Deb 07 December 1948 vol 459 cc256-8
26. Mr. Sidney Shephard

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will now allow relatives to visit the graves of Service men buried in Italy.

The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Shinwell)

No permission from me is required for relatives to visit graves in Italy.

Mr. Shephard

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what schemes there are whereby poor relatives can undertake a journey to Italy to visit the graves of their sons?

Mr. Shinwell

The voluntary organisations have this matter in hand. They are partly subsidised from Government funds. In the case of Italy, however, they cannot make arrangements at present.

Mr. Shephard

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some months ago he wrote to me concerning a constituent of mine, and said that it was quite impossible at the moment for relatives to visit their sons' graves?

Mr. Shinwell

That was some months ago.

Mr. Guy

Is my right hon. Friend aware that relatives can get no information whatsoever with regard to visiting graves?

Mr. Shinwell

My hon. Friend, no doubt, has certain people in mind, and perhaps they will approach him and be can then approach me.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

What is the objection to extending the Government's scheme so as to include this soft currency country with its ample hotel accommodation?

Mr. Shinwell

There are several reasons, but perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put down a Question.

Mr. Shephard

Will the right hon. Gentleman give particulars of how these people are able to visit Italy?

Mr. Shinwell

If the hon. Gentleman will put down a Question, I will give him whatever information I can.

42. Mr. Lipson

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will provide free travel to parents wishing to pay an annual visit to their sons' war graves.

Mr. Shinwell

Arrangements for visits to war graves are made by five charitable bodies who, in cases of need, make grants towards the expenses of a single visit by two relatives. The organisations are reimbursed from public funds to the extent of seven-eighths of their direct expenditure. I do not consider that the scheme should be extended as suggested in the Question.

Mr. Lipson

Is not the Secretary of State aware that a great many people object to a means test and that a means test is particularly undesirable in a matter of this kind? Will he consider whether he cannot accept more responsibility in this matter so as to see that whatever provision is made, all people are treated alike and are not subject to a means test?

Mr. Shinwell

It is quite impossible to concur in the view expressed by the hon. Member in the Question that free travel should be granted.