Written question asked by Laurence Robertson (Conservative) on Thursday, 28 February 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 5 March 2002. It was answered by Lord Moonie (Labour) on Tuesday, 5 March 2002 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what representations he has made to the Belgian Government on plans to extend the A19 over war cemeteries.

Answer: Mr. Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has made to the Belgian Government on plans to extend the A19 over war cemeteries. [40583] Dr. Moonie: The Government have had no discussions with the Belgian Government regarding the proposal to extend the A19 motorway across a previously undeveloped section of Pilckem Ridge, a battlefield in the Ypres Salient. In view of the number of British soldiers who lost their lives in this campaign and whose bodies were never found, it has been suggested that the area should remain untouched as an historical heritage site, but this is a matter for the Belgian Government to decide on. However, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission has had discussions with the Belgian authorities seeking clarification of the proposals. The Commission has been assured that while the proposed route has not as yet been finalised, it will not interfere with any of the cemeteries it maintains.

Secondary information