§ 1. Mr. Chapmanasked the Minister of Defence whether he is aware that the Services charged a figure of £270, or more, as the cost to parents of bringing home the body of a Service man killed in Gibraltar, including £70 for a special coffin and £60 to £140 for sea or air transport; whether he is aware that these costs are excessive; and whether he will have special inquiries made with a view to drawing up a standard scheme under which simpler provisions and use of Services transport, when available, could bring these costs down to a reasonable level.
§ The Minister of Defence (Mr. Duncan Sandys)The figures quoted were commercial and not Service charges. I should be glad to consider any suggestions for simplifying the procedure.
§ Mr. ChapmanI am very much obliged to the right hon. Gentleman. Is he aware of the fraud which has been practised on the parents in this case? Is he aware that I have here the report of a reputable firm of undertakers on the £75 coffin, that it was doubtfully of oak, that it was probably made here, and that, with transport to Gibraltar, it is worth less than £30? Is he also aware that the zinc lining for which they were charged £35 is worth less than £10? Will he agree that the parents should not pay a single penny until he has had the opportunity personally to investigate the scandal in this case?
§ Mr. SandysOf course I have not the information which the hon. Member has mentioned, but these are commercial charges and the matter is one between the relatives and the undertakers and others concerned.
§ Mr. ChapmanNo, that is not the case. Is the Minister not aware that the War Office does all the arranging on behalf of the parents because they have no means of making the necessary contact?
§ Mr. SandysAll I can do is to say that I will ask my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War to find out what steps were taken to ensure that as far as possible the parents or relations were put in touch with a reputable firm.