HC Deb 03 May 1994 vol 242 cc470-1W
Mrs. Golding

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will take steps to make better known the work undertaken by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in maintaining the records, memorials and war graves of allied service people killed in two world wars.

Mr. Hanley

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission is responsible for arranging its own publicity. The MOD does, however, make a major financial contribution to the Commission's budget on behalf of Her Britannic Majesty's Government, which includes funds for publicity.

Mrs. Golding

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what was the British Government's contribution to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in 1993–94; and what he proposes it will be in 1994–95;

(2) if he will set out the factors which led him to reduce the United Kingdom contribution to the funding of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission; and if he will now restore the money as part of the D-day commemoration.

Mr. Hanley

The United Kingdom's contribution to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission takes the form of a grant-in-aid, which is discussed annually between my Department and the CWGC. In 1993–94 the grant-in-aid to the CWGC was £21,390,295. Financial provision for 1994–95, which has been agreed with the commission, is £20,532,368. This will be supplemented by a substantial surplus of around £1,700,000 carried forward from the previous year.

The commission's budget, and our contributions to it, have increased by 50 per cent. in cash terms over the last five years. We believe that the level of funding is realistic in the light of the commission's future requirements. The commission has confirmed that it has no plans to cut any projects or commitments as a result.

Mrs. Golding

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what countries are now represented on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission; and - what consultation he had with the Governments concerned before announcing to the commission his decision to cut its funding.

Mr. Hanley

The countries represented on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission are: the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, India, New Zealand and South Africa. As well as being represented on the commission, all member countries are represented on its finance committee which discusses funding.

Mrs. Golding

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the countries which contain Commonwealth war graves and memorials which are maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Mr. Hanley

The Ministry of Defence does not keep records of the nature requested, responsibility for which rests with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. I will arrange for the Director-General of the commission to write to the hon. Member.