HC Deb 28 July 1953 vol 518 cc133-4W
112. Mr. Chetwynd

asked the Secretary of State for War why he will not bear all or part of the expense incurred in the repatriation of the body of 22791866 Driver T. Thompson from Germany for burial at Stockton-on-Tees.

Mr. Head

I would refer the hon. Member to my replies to Questions by the hon. Member for Oldham, West (Mr. Hale) on 7th July this year, in which I explained the policy in connection with a similar case.

113. Mr. Chetwynd

asked the Secretary of State for War how many soldiers have died whilst serving in Germany; and how many bodies have been brought home for burial during the past year, and at what cost.

Mr. Head

540 soldiers have died whilst serving in Germany since 1st January, 1948. The bodies of 28 soldiers have been brought home by the relatives for burial during the past twelve months. The total cost is not known because, as stated by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence in his reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Oldham, West (Mr. Hale) on 8th July this year, the bulk of the costs are payable to the agency which carries out the transport.

114. Mr. Chetwynd

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will arrange with the Secretary of State for Air, to transport to the nearest areodrome at home the bodies of soldiers dying in Germany whose parents wish to have the burial at home.

Mr. Head

No. Apart from practical difficulties, there would be no financial saving to the relatives unless repatriation at public expense were specially authorised for this theatre.