HL Deb 02 April 1952 vol 175 cc1287-8

2.37 p.m.

LORD GIFFORD

My Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are satisfied with the arrangements for caring for the graves of Service men killed in Malaya.]

EARL FORTESCUE

My Lords, the graves of Service men dying in the present emergency are mostly in civil cemeteries and have hitherto been looked after by the local authorities. I am glad to say that the graves have been well cared for in these circumstances. It has, however, been decided that, in future, the War Department will accept full responsibility for providing permanent headstones and for the maintenance of these soldiers' graves. It will necessarily be a little time before the headstones can be erected.

LORD GIFFORD

My Lords, may I thank the noble Earl for his most satisfactory answer to my Question? I feel sure that all noble Lords will agree that it is right that the country should accept responsibility for the upkeep of these graves, the expense of which, under previous arrangements, often had to be borne by the men's comrades or out of regimental funds.