§ Mr. GibbTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the war graves located within the Bognor Regis and Littlehampton constituency. [135059]
§ Dr. MoonieThis is a matter for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission who have responsibility for the maintenance in perpetuity of war graves from the two World Wars. However, I will arrange for the Commission to be informed of this request and ask that they respond with the necessary information direct, and a copy will be placed in the Library of the House.
§ Mr. GibbTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on proposals by the War Graves Commission to cut overseas allowances. [135047]
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§ Dr. MoonieThe Commonwealth War Graves Commission is an autonomous body subject to Royal Charter and as such has responsibility for formulating its own pay and allowance system, which includes a package of allowances to help cover the additional costs (for UK-recruited staff) of living abroad.
The changes are not the result of any reduction in funding by the UK Government; the Ministry of Defence will continue to contribute to the Commission in proportion to its number of war graves and there are no plans to reduce the current contribution of £23 million. The Government will ensure, in conjunction with the Commission, that the highest standards in tending war graves will be maintained and that our war dead will continue to be afforded the utmost respect.
The Commission has announced that they have decided to hold an independent review of the allowances. There will be full consultation with the staff and their representatives. Any changes will be delayed until the review has been completed. Baroness Dean of Thorton-le-Fylde has agreed to conduct the review; it would be inappropriate to comment further until the review has concluded.