§ Mr. Denzil Freethasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied with the arrangements for next-of-kin to visit soldiers overseas who are dangerously ill: and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. John HareYes. I think that they are very satisfactory and work well. The scheme applicable to all three Services is known as DILFOR. It was started in a limited way in 1945. Under it, if the doctors consider that a visit should be made, next-of-kin are conveyed to the bedside of the patient anywhere in the world, free of charge by the fastest possible means.
In a recent case a casualty signal from Singapore was received in the War Office at noon on 28th May. The soldier's mother was notified and brought to London from Cheshire by the following morning. Air bookings, passport formalities and vaccination were arranged for her by the War Office and th Red Cross, and she was on her way to the airport by mid-afternoon haivng been in London for only six hours.
I think the House will agree that this case, among many others, reflects great credit upon those responsible, including members of the British Red Cross Society who give us valuable help.