Written question asked by Joan Humble (Labour) on Thursday, 3 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 10 March 2005. It was answered by Ivor Caplin (Labour) on Thursday, 10 March 2005 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what arrangements are made for parents of service personnel who have died (a) whilst on active service abroad and (b) whilst stationed at overseas barracks to visit the sites of the deaths.

Answer: Mrs. Humble: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements are made for parents of service personnel who have died (a) while on active service abroad and (b) while stationed at overseas barracks to visit the sites of the deaths. [220802] Mr. Caplin: When a service person dies overseas the body will be repatriated or, if the next of kin request it, interred locally. In the latter case the service will bear the cost, including travel expenses of close relatives. Where the body has been interred overseas without the attendance of the relatives, or was not recovered, funding may be provided for two close relatives to visit the site within two years of the death.

Secondary information