HC Deb 01 May 1951 vol 487 cc988-9
24. Mr. J. N. Browne

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his Department will provide free transport overseas for one or two parents to attend the burial of soldier sons killed while on European service in peace-time.

Mr. M. Stewart

This matter has been carefully considered by all the Service Departments during the last few years. It has, however, been decided to adhere to the arrangements in force before the war, which allowed rail travel to military funerals at public expense only within the United Kingdom.

Mr. Browne

Will the hon. Gentleman look at this position again? It is not fair to people who want to attend the burial of their son and cannot bring the body back because they cannot afford it. Does he not realise that this could be done quite easily?

Mr. Stewart

I assure the hon. Gentleman that we have looked at this matter very carefully. Whatever decision we take, we have to draw the line between some theatres and others, and I cannot feel that the present arrangement is any less acceptable than the alternative would be.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

In considering the matter, did the hon. Gentleman ascertain what the cost of this concession would be, and, if he did, can he tell the House what it is?

Mr. Stewart

I did at the time, but I am afraid that I cannot give it now without notice.

26. Mr. J. N. Browne

asked the Secretary of State for War what estimate he has made of the cost of returning from Germany to Scotland the body of a soldier killed while on European service.

Mr. M. Stewart

The cost of returning the body of a soldier from Germany to Harwich is estimated at £40 11s. The cost of transport from Harwich to Scotland will, of course, vary according to the actual destination. In the case of Glasgow the additional cost would be £43 17s. 3d.

Mr. Browne

Will the Under-Secretary say whether that second £43 is inclusive, or will the cost be approximately £80? Is he aware that his Department told me that the cost would be between £100 and £120, and can he say how much of that cost his Department is prepared to bear?

Mr. Stewart

With regard to the first part of that supplementary question, the £43 is additional. As the House knows, it is not the policy of the Department to bear this cost, but we have made representations, and British Railways have made a special reduction, which is why the figure is what it is.