HL Deb 19 November 1998 vol 594 c198WA
The Lord Bishop of Oxford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will advise the War Graves Commission that it would be appropriate to ensure that the memorial at Thiepval is a commemoration of the fallen of all faiths. [HL3620]

Lord Gilbert

The Government have already addressed this matter with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, who have given their assurance that the Thiepval Memorial is indeed a commemoration of all the fallen, with no distinction made on account of military or civil rank, race or creed.

This issue has twice been formally considered by the Commission, in December 1994 under the Chairmanship of the then Secretary of State for Defence the Rt. Hon. Malcolm Rifkind and again in June 1998 under that of the Rt. Hon. George Robertson. On both occasions the Commission has reaffirmed its policy of not making separate reference to the differences of faith among those who are commemorated.