HC Deb 11 May 1976 vol 911 cc219-20
16. Mr. Loyden

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what provisions exist for the return to the United Kingdom of the bodies of relatives of United Kingdom Service men who have died abroad, where a desire has been expressed for burial in the United Kingdom.

Mr. William Rodgers

It is for the Service man himself to make any necessary arrangements.

Mr. Loyden

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the present provisions for dealing with the problem have resulted in the relatives of one of my constituents having to look to pay about £700 to bring back to the United Kingdom a young baby who died in Germany? Does he not consider it is time the provisions were examined with a view to preventing Service men being faced with such a cost when they suffer a tragedy of that kind?

Mr. Rodgers

I know the very sad case that my hon. Friend has brought to our attention. There are problems in finding a better answer. That is one reason why an insurance scheme has been devised. If it will help my hon. Friend I shall be happy to look at the existing provisions and consider in what circumstances they could be changed.

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