§ Mr. CanavanTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will arrange for financial assistance to be given to the sons and daughters of British service men who died at the battle of Normandy to enable them to attend the 50th anniversary ceremony in France; and if he will give special consideration to cases where such sons and daughters are the last surviving next-of-kin and are now retirement pensioners.
§ Mr. HanleyWhile the Government sponsor a war widows grant-in-aid scheme to help widows visit their husbands' graves once at public expense, I regret that it is not possible for my Department to extend financial assistance to all relatives of those British service men who died at the Battle of Normandy. Commercial arrangements are available and in many cases are being arranged by local veterans associations.
§ Mr. WinnickTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what financial assistance will be given to widows of those involved in the D-day landing to enable them to go to France in June to receive commemorative medals.
§ Mr. HanleyMy noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence will write to the hon. Member.
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