§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will consult the ex-service organisations before triggering any reduction in the United Kingdom's contribution to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission;
(2) what representations he has had from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in the light of the proposed reduction in the United Kingdom's contribution to its resources.
§ Mr. HanleyThe United Kingdom's contribution to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission is agreed annually between my. Department and the commission. Over the past five years, my Department has increased the funding in cash terms to the commission by some 50 per cent. and this year's reduction in the size of the grant from my Department takes full account of the size of the commission's operating surplus which is carried forward from year to year.
My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Defence met representatives of the commission in February. This was one of several occasions on which it was confirmed that there were no plans to cut any projects or commitments as a result of the level of funding agreed for 1994–95. There are no current plans to consult the ex-service organisations in respect of this subject.