HC Deb 24 February 1953 vol 511 cc1896-7
20. Mr. Hargreaves

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of cemeteries in Korea in the care of the Imperial War Graves Commission at the latest convenient date.

Mr. Head

There are no cemeteries in Korea in the care of the Imperial War Graves Commission. The dead of the Commonwealth Division are buried in the United Nations cemeteries.

Mr. Hargreaves

In the case of people who served in our own Forces, whose deaths occurred more than two years ago and who are buried in Korea, can the Minister arrange that some detail of their burial places might be made known to their parents? A case of this kind has been reported to the right hon. Gentleman's Department.

Mr. Head

I think that the hon. Member has another Question on the Order Paper dealing with that specific case. It is one which presented peculiar difficulties because operational conditions at the time made identification extremely difficult.

22. Mr. Hargreaves

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps have been taken to care for the graves in the British section of Taegu cemetery, Korea, and to inform the next-of-kin.

Mr. Head

The graves in the British section of the United Nations Cemetery at Taegu, Korea, were removed during 1951 to the United Nations Cemetery, Pusan, where they could be properly maintained. The next-of-kin have been informed in all cases where identification has been established beyond doubt.

Mr. Hargreaves

Is the Minister satisfied that after that clearance of the cemetery the graves of British troops were tended and cared for, as no doubt they would have been in the care of the Imperial War Graves Commission? Will he have another look at this case, because the evidence which he has submitted to the House does not agree with his own Departmental reply?

Mr. Head

I have been into this matter very closely and my answer agrees both with what we have written and with what we know about this case. It was difficult to maintain the previous burial ground, which was near the front line, and therefore we removed the bodies to the new burial ground in this area near Pusan where I am assured that they are being looked after adequately.