§ 43. Mr. Murrayasked the Secretary of State for War when the Service ministers will complete their work on the consideration of a scheme whereby parents desirous of visiting war graves in Germany may do so; is he aware that mothers and fathers in the Spennymoor 1875 division are anxiously waiting for such announcement; and will he do everything possible to hasten the completion of this scheme, and thus relieve the tension of these parents.
§ Mr. ShinwellI am hopeful that it may be possible to make arrangements for relatives to visit some war cemeteries in Germany during this summer, but I cannot yet announce a detailed scheme. It should, however, be realised that the number and length of visits will for the present necessarily be limited.
§ Mr. MurrayWill my right hon. Friend press this matter, as I can assure him that parents in my Division are very disturbed? It is nearly three years since the war ended, and these people are very anxious to go out there.
§ Mr. ShinwellI have been pressing the matter, but, as my hon. Friend is aware, it is conditioned by difficulties of transport and accommodation.
§ Mr. Platts-MillsWill the right hon. Gentleman bear the same matters in mind in regard to visits to Italy, which is the subject of Question 35, which I apologise for not being here to ask?
§ Mr. ShinwellYes, Sir.
§ Mr. Martin LindsayDoes not the right hon. Geitleman think it anomalous that foreigners resident on the continent should be allowed to cross the frontier and visit war graves, while British next-of-kin cannot do so?
§ Mr. ShinwellI am not aware that that is so, but perhaps the hon. Member will give me details.
§ Mr. LindsayIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have a letter from him saying that it is possible?
§ Mr. ShinwellI am not even aware of that.
§ Mr. George PorterIs it not a fact that graves cannot be visited until they are handed over to the War Graves Commission?
§ Mr. ShinwellThis applies to Germany, where I think there are special exceptions. Some cemeteries are held by the military.