HL Deb 22 May 2003 vol 648 c99WA
Lord Brookman

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their response to the publication of the Medical Research Council's review of research into Gulf veterans' illnesses. [HL3018]

The Parliamentry Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Bach):

The Ministry of Defence welcomes publication of the Medical Research Council's review of research into Gulf veterans' illnesses. We are grateful for the work that has gone into the review, which was conducted following a request from the MOD. We have taken particular note of the review's conclusions and recommendations for further research and will study these further in detail. The MOD notes that a number of the recommendations are scientifically complex and will approach the Medical Research Council with a view to holding detailed discussions about how they may be taken forward, the data they are expected to yield and the priorities that should be attached to them. Once this has taken place we will consult veterans and other stakeholders about the way ahead.