HC Deb 21 February 1956 vol 549 cc23-4W
94. Mr. Callaghan

asked the Secretary of State for War to review his methods of notifying relatives of soldiers who are killed or injured on service, in view of existing dissatisfaction with the present arrangements.

Mr. F. Maclean

My right hon. Friend has recently reviewed the procedure and had some changes made. But, if the hon. Member has a specific proposal in mind, we will gladly consider it. I would however refer him to an answer on 6th December to written Questions by my hon. Friend the Member for Maidstone (Sir A. Bossom) in which it was pointed out that, although casualties overseas are normally notified within twenty-four hours, we cannot prevent premature reports sometimes appearing in the Press.