§ Mr. George OsborneTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions his Department has had with the Belgian Government about the impact on British war graves of the plans to build the A19 road through the Pilckem Ridge. [25495]
§ Dr. MoonieThe Ministry of Defence has had no discussions with the Belgian Government about proposals for a new road through Pilckem Ridge, nor would the Department expect to do so. Any approach to the British Government from the Belgian Government would follow established protocols and, in the first instance, would be to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office through the British Embassy in Brussels.
However, I am advised by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, which has the responsibility for the maintenance of war graves of British and Commonwealth troops in Belgium, that they have had local discussions with the Belgian authorities seeking further clarification of the proposals. They have been assured that while the proposed route has not been finalised, it will not interfere with any Commission-maintained cemetery.