Written question asked by Tam Dalyell (Labour) on Monday, 4 April 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 7 April 2005. It was answered by Ivor Caplin (Labour) on Thursday, 7 April 2005 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: what his policy is on the preservation what his policy is on the preservation of military index cards relating to British servicemen in the First World War; what arrangements he will put in place to ensure that (a) all medal index cards are fully scanned when they are put on microfiche and (b) families have the option of receiving the originals if they express a desire to do so.

Answer: John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he plans to destroy any of the records of medals issued to First World War personnel. [224834] Mr. Dalyell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on the preservation of military index cards relating to British servicemen in the First World War. [224965] Mr. Letwin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements he will put in place to ensure that (a) all medal index cards are fully scanned when they are put on microfiche and (b) families have the option of receiving the originals if they express a desire to do so. [224967] Mr. Caplin: The Ministry of Defence, together with The National Archives, has been actively seeking to identify a suitable institution prepared to take these cards. So far, a home for just a small part of the collection has been found. No decision on the retention or destruction of the cards will be taken until all such avenues have been explored.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 432 c1744W;432 c1739W; 224965
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Armed forces Conservation Archives Public records Military decorations World War I Departmental records Veterans
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk