HC Deb 27 January 1948 vol 446 c116W
39. Mr. M. Lindsay

asked the Secretary of State for War what progress he is making in his plans for next of kin to visit war graves in North-West Europe.

Mr. M. Stewart

Arrangements have been made by which visits may be paid to war graves in all countries in North-West Europe other than Germany. Persons visiting war graves may pay their return fares in sterling to a travel agency in this country without formality. Those who are visiting the graves of a close relative are allowed foreign exchange to cover their expenses on the journey on application to the Bank of England through any bank in the United Kingdom. The amount of foreign exchange allowed is limited to £10 for destinations in Europe. As my right hon. Friend said in reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Kingston-upon-Thames (Mr. Boyd-Carpenter) last week, there are difficulties of transport and accommodation in the way of allowing visits to war graves in Germany. He is, however, having the possibility of allowing relatives to visit some cemeteries further investigated.