§ Sir F. Markhamasked the Secretary of State for War how many of those who lost their lives during the 1939–45 war still have no permanent headstones over their graves; what are the causes for delay; and when he hopes that these memorials will be completed.
§ Mr. HareOf the 333,500 Commonwealth graves of the 1939–1945 war requiring permanent marking by the Imperial War Graves Commission about 13,500 remain to be so marked. These are located mainly in districts which are remote or politically disturbed, where local resources are scanty or where soil conditions and climate are unfavourable. For these reasons there has inevitably been delay in completing the Commission's lengthy task.
It is not yet possible to forecast when the permanent headstones will be erected. All graves on which headstones have not yet been placed bear temporary crosses and are maintained under the Commission's supervision.