HC Deb 22 February 1999 vol 326 cc11-3
8. Dr. David Clark (South Shields)

If he will make a statement on the progress of his investigations into Gulf war syndrome. [70498]

The Minister for the Armed Forces (Mr. Doug Henderson)

A number of recently published research papers have presented strong scientific evidence that Gulf veterans report more illness than other comparable groups. That demonstrates the importance of the programme of work that the Ministry of Defence is already undertaking to address Gulf veterans' health concerns, which includes a portfolio of Ministry of Defence-funded scientific research. We are determined to do all that we can to understand why some veterans of the Gulf conflict are now ill.

Dr. Clark

I thank my hon. Friend for that answer and for the positive way in which the Government are addressing the incredibly complicated issue of Gulf war veterans who are clearly suffering from illnesses. The Minister will know that, according to convention, after six or seven years the onus of proof switches against the claimant—that is, the veterans. Will he assure the House today that that will not occur in the case of the Gulf war veterans?

Mr. Henderson

I recognise my right hon. Friend's interest and expertise in this subject. I am pleased to confirm that his interpretation is correct on this question.

Mr. Menzies Campbell (North-East Fife)

Is it not time that we cut through all these legal and scientific obstacles and paid proper compensation to these men and women? They may not be able to satisfy the difficult tests of legal and scientific causation, but it is perfectly clear to anyone who has listened to or met them that many of the people who went to the Gulf perfectly healthy have returned extremely unfit. Is it not time that the Government made an exception, as we did for the haemophiliacs who contracted the HIV virus through no fault of their own but as a result of being given contaminated blood? Surely Gulf war veterans deserve that kind of exception. Should we not pay them compensation without their having to establish fault or negligence on the part of the Ministry of Defence?

Mr. Henderson

The Government have made it clear that if there is an obligation to pay compensation, the Government will ensure that compensation is paid. Already, as the right hon. and learned Gentleman knows, war pensions are applicable where certain persons who served in the Gulf seek to obtain them. It would be wrong if there was not equity of treatment, and the Government have a responsibility to make sure that people who have suffered in the service of the nation, wherever they served, are given that fair treatment. That must be the case, and it is right that it should be so. The Government's priority is not only to make sure that if compensation should be paid, it is paid, but to get to the bottom of what is wrong with people who served in the Gulf, why they are ill, what is the cause of their illness or illnesses, and what can be done to prevent this happening again.

Mr. Gerry Sutcliffe (Bradford, South)

Even before we get to the issue of compensation, should we not be examining the availability and consistency of treatment for people suspected of suffering from Gulf war syndrome? There is much variation in the expertise of those identifying Gulf war syndrome across the country. Will my hon. Friend consider with the war veteran organisations what can be done in the interests of consistency?

Mr. Henderson

As my hon. Friend knows, there is a medical assessment programme under which doctors will examine any illness being suffered by veterans and then make recommendations, often referring those veterans, with advice, to local doctors or other health care providers. I cannot go further than that, as I am sure my hon. Friend will understand. There is always a little difference in the treatment that doctors give, based on their own assessment of the difficulties being experienced by a particular individual. We have recently notified family doctors across the country of the potential illnesses with which people who served in the Gulf might approach them, and have made some suggestions on what treatment might be appropriate.

Mr. Michael Fabricant (Lichfield)

The hon. Member for Bradford, South (Mr. Sutcliffe) spoke about variations in the treatment available in the United Kingdom. What contact is being made with the United States Department of Defense, which has also undertaken considerable research into Gulf war syndrome? Is the Minister aware that the depleted uranium used in armour-piercing warheads is not now considered to be the cause of Gulf war syndrome, and that the cause is more likely to be the cocktail of vaccinations given to troops prior to their entering the Gulf? What contact is being made with the United States, and is there a lesson to be learned?

Mr. Henderson

The hon. Gentleman has raised a valid point. People from the United States and from Britain who served in the Gulf are suffering from an illness or illnesses. There is continual dialogue between my Department and the appropriate Department in the United States. I have read as widely as I can about what various medical and scientific sources believe to be the cause of the illnesses being suffered. I shall be visiting Washington on Friday to have talks with the United States Government on the progress that they are making. I am a believer in joint projects, where appropriate, with the United States to try to get to the bottom of these problems.

Mr. Llew Smith (Blaenau Gwent)

Can the Minister inform the House about the research being conducted by or for his Department into the possible contributory effect of depleted uranium contamination to Gulf war illnesses?

Mr. Henderson

The Department is supporting and in many cases financing wide-ranging research into the possible causes of the illness suffered by some veterans who served in the Gulf. As I stated in a written answer, I hope to publish a paper shortly on the testing system that would be applicable in this country if any Gulf veterans believe that they have suffered from the pollution of depleted uranium.