§ Lord Morris of Manchesterasked Her Majesty's Government:
What consultation the French Government had with them and with ex-service organisations in the United Kingdom prior to announcing the decision to build a third Paris airport on a Somme battlefield where British war graves are sited; and what action they have taken or are considering taking. [HL1460]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Bach)The French Government have made no representations to Her Majesty's Government about a proposed new airport for Paris. At this stage the matter is entirely the responsibility of the French authorities. However, following media speculation about the possibility that First World War cemeteries containing some British and Commonwealth casualties may be affected if the project goes ahead, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, which is responsible for the maintenance of the graves, has written to the French Ministry of the Interior seeking further clarification of the proposals. It has drawn attention to the concern expressed in the UK and has asked to be kept informed of any developments.