§ Mr. RAMSDENasked the Secretary of State fur War if he is now in a position to make any statement as to the battlefields on the Western Front or elsewhere which have been selected as permanent memorials of British feats of arms; and 1143W whether he can explain the procedure Which it is intended to adopt with regard to their maintenance and upkeep?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe Battle Exploit Memorials Committee, under the chairmanship of the Adjutant-General, has now reviewed all the claims from units to erect at their own expense permanent memorials on battlefields.
With regard to Belgium, the Belgian Government, after a conference between its representatives and the Adjutant-General's Committee, have agreed to reserve, as far as possible, sites suitable for memorials on the following battlefields:
Boesinghe. Hooge. Bixschoote. Hill 63. Langemark. Neuve Eglise. Poelcappelle. Messines Passchendaele. Wytschaete. St. Julien. St. Eloi. Gravenstafel. Hill 60. Zonnebeke. Kemmel. Polygon Wood. Klein Zillibeke Sanctuary Wood. Ypres. Gheluvelt. With regard to France, negotiations with the appropriate department of the French Government have already been opened for the acquisition of a considerble number of sites, for instance, at Pozieres, Vimy, Monchy-le-Preux, Bourlon and Villers-Bretonneux.
Details as to the actual dimensions of sites required by units have. not yet in all cases been received; as soon as they are forthcoming the necessary negotiations with the French Government will be opened.
With regard to approval has been given for the erection of a memorial outside the town from funds subscribed by the troops who fought there.
In the case of Mesopotamia, arrangements are being made locally. I am not yet in a position to make any announcement regarding Gallipoli and Palestine.
The question of maintenance of memorials to be erected has been under consideration, but is not yet decided.