MP CALLS ON MINISTER TO PERMIT AWARD TO RELATIVES ON BEHALF OF DECEASED WOMEN'S LAND ARMY WORKERS

8.52.00pm GMT Mon 17th Mar 2008

Lorely Burt MP has written to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Hilary Benn, calling on him to allow relatives of volunteers in the Women's Land Army during the Second World War, but are now deceased, to claim the commemorative badge recently made available by Defra.

Lorely Burt MP said:

"A number of women have contacted me for forms to claim the award, but of course many of the women who served are no longer with us.

"I have been told that relatives cannot claim on behalf of serving women who died before 6th December 2007, when the award was announced.

"However, it took Government over 62 years to recognise these women's service through a commemorative badge, and it's not surprising that so many who would have qualified through their efforts to keep the nation fed have now passed away.

"Sons and daughters feel cheated that they cannot claim for their mother's entitlement. These women's efforts should be acknowledged in the same way that would be possible if they were alive today. Families want something to hand on to grandchildren in recognition of their mother's service.

"After all, the award is over half a century late, so I have asked the Secretary of State if he will make an exception under these circumstances for family members who wish to apply on behalf of mothers who have already passed away."