§ Mr. ToddTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans the Government have to support visits to war graves by war widows. [39682]
§ Mr. SpellarSince 1985, The Royal British Legion have operated the War Widows Pilgrimage Scheme on behalf of the Ministry of Defence to provide financial assistance to any Service widow, whose husband died and was buried overseas between 1914 and 1967, to visit the grave. Although the scheme has been extended several times since its inception, current funding was due to end on 31 March 1999.
Following a recent approach by The Royal British Legion, I have agreed to an extension of the War Widows Pilgrimage Scheme for a further two years, until 31 March 2001. The Government greatly appreciate the work of The Royal British Legion who administer the scheme on our behalf. To date, this subsidised scheme has enabled over 3,000 widows to visit their husbands' graves overseas. It is hoped that the continuation of the scheme will enable many other eligible widows to do so.