HL Deb 26 January 2000 vol 608 cc201-2WA
The Countess of Mar

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many proposals for research into Gulf War illnesses have been received by the Medical Research Council since 1997; how many have been accepted; and what were the reasons for rejection of those not accepted. [HL619]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

Since 1997, the Medical Research Council (MRC) has received seven full proposals for research into whether the health of Gulf veterans has been adversely affected by their service in the Gulf conflict. Two proposals have been accepted for funding. Decisions to recommend proposals to MoD for funding are based on a full scientific assessment of the proposals through peer review. Scientific feedback, including the reasons for rejection, is provided direct to the applicants, in confidence, by the MRC.