§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what financial support was given to UK veterans attending memorials in North Africa for the 60th anniversary of the battle of El Alamein; and if he will make a statement. [87037]
§ Dr. MoonieThe Ministry of Defence provided support to the Eighth Army Veterans' Association (EAVA) to commemorate the battle and a service of thanksgiving was held in Westminster Abbey on 30 October; the MOD organised and funded the service. Two other events were also supported by the Department: a Commonwealth service to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the battle (held at the Commonwealth War Cemetery, El Alamein) and an international service (at the Italian War Memorial, near El Alamein). No financial assistance was given to veterans to visit Egypt.