Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Phil Wilson and Mark Francois

Monday 14th January 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Francois]

I have been briefed on this specific issue by Professor Simon Wessely and his team at King’s college London, who are internationally renowned as experts in this field. They are researching this specific issue and we are awaiting the outcome of that research. I know you want brief answers, Mr Speaker, but the professor was knighted for his public service in the new year’s honours list and we most heartily welcome that.

[Phil Wilson (Sedgefield) (Lab)]

In July 2012, a memorial to the Durham Light Infantry was unveiled at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. The Northern Echo and veterans of the DLI have launched a campaign for a similar memorial in the DLI’s home county. Will the Minister support that campaign and say what else the MOD can do to ensure a fitting memorial can be unveiled to the DLI in County Durham?

[Mr Francois]

I pay tribute to the proud history of that regiment. I visited the National Memorial Arboretum, but I cannot say whether, when I was there, I visited that specific memorial. As the hon. Gentleman knows, there are about 200. By tradition, the MOD does not pay for war memorials—that has been a tradition for many years. They are paid for by public subscription, but if the DLI, its veterans and others manage to raise the money for that memorial, I promise I will come and visit it.