§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Defence what recent representations he has received from the honorary president and secretary of British War Widows and Associates; what reply he is sending; if there is any action he will be taking; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LeeMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence has received a letter direct from Mrs Strange, the honorary president and secretary of the British War Widows and Associates, and also through the hon. Member for Macclesfield (Mr. Winterton) making certain allegations about the way in which the Royal British Legion is administering a recently introduced Government sponsored scheme to help finance visits by war widows to their husbands graves overseas.
The Royal British Legion has been consulted on the allegations made and, on the evidence available, I consider them to be without foundation. No action is therefore proposed as a consequence of Mrs Strange's allegations. and my noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State for the Armed forces will be replying to this effect in the near future.