asked the Secretary of State for War when the long-promised photographs of the graves of those killed abroad during the war will be given to the next of kin.

It is my Department's policy to provide the next of kin with a photograph of the deceased's final resting place, which is often not the same place as where the body was originally buried. Many thousands of graves all over the world have had to be concentrated into special British military cemeteries before the photographs could be taken, and this has naturally delayed the completion of the programme. A very considerable number of photographs has already been despatched to the next of kin, and an intensive effort is being made to complete the work at the earliest possible moment. This applies especially to Germany, France and the Low Countries.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many people are getting very anxious about these photographs, and will he do as he says and speed up their delivery as much as he can?

Certainly. I understand that about 100,000 photographs have already been despatched, and we are expediting the work as rapidly as possible.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any information is given to the next of kin about the graves, apart from photographs? Is any information given about disinterring and reinterring, and about the position of the graves?

I had a talk with members of the Imperial War Graves Commission, and I understand that information is furnished to the next of kin so far as is practicable, but it may be that the information is inadequate. The fact that the hon. and gallant Gentleman has raised the matter will perhaps help.