§ 31. Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Secretary of State for War to which countries persons of small means are enabled to visit war graves of near relatives under the Government scheme.
§ Mr. ShinwellVisits under this scheme have been arranged to war graves in Belgium, Denmark, France, Holland, Luxembourg and Norway, and in a few exceptional cases to those cemeteries in Germany which can be reached in a day's trip from the frontier.
§ 32. Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Secretary of State for War what are the difficulties which prevent the Government scheme for assistance in visiting war graves of near relatives being extended to include Italy.
§ Mr. ShinwellThe voluntary organisations which have been good enough to take responsibility for running this scheme hope that they will be able to arrange visits to Italy next year. Naturally enough, they confined the scheme in the first place to the nearer countries which presented less difficulties as regards accommodation and transport.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterIn view of the excellent conditions both of accommodation and transport now existing in Italy, can the right hon. Gentleman say when next year's scheme will actually start?
§ Mr. ShinwellI am hoping that it will be possible to make a beginning in the early spring.
§ Dr. SegalIs it not high time that some arrangements were initiated to enable relatives to visit graves in Tunisia, Tripolitania and Cyrenaica.
§ Mr. ShinwellIt may be high time, but the transport difficulties are very great.
§ Mr. ErrollCan the Minister say how persons can apply for inclusion in this scheme?
§ Mr. ShinwellThere are various organisations. I thought that some time ago I furnished hon. Members through the OFFICIAL REPORT with the names and addresses of the voluntary organisations, but I will see that a statement is included in the OFFICIAL REPORT.