HL Deb 21 February 1996 vol 569 cc1054-5

2.52 p.m.

The Countess of Mar

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper. In so doing, I declare an interest as patron of the Gulf Veterans Association.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the epidemiological studies into Gulf health issues will be put out to tender in a similar manner to the study into the health effects of exposure to sheep dips.

Earl Howe

My Lords, invitations to submit research proposals will be issued in due course. It is possible that these will be issued by the Medical Research Council on our behalf, but no decision has yet been taken.

The Countess of Mar

My Lords, I thank the Minister for that reply. Perhaps I may say how pleased I am that this study is at long last going forward. In which journals will the tenders be asked for, what health aspects will be studied, and how long is the study expected to take?

Earl Howe

My Lords, at present we are discussing with the MRC the establishment of an epidemiological programme. I do not believe that any firm decisions have been taken as to which publications will be used to advertise the invitations, but they will clearly be in appropriate medical and scientific publications. The aim of the studies will be to establish whether Gulf veterans are experiencing a greater prevalence of symptoms and illnesses in comparison with an appropriately matched control population in terms of age, sex, and previous medical history. The studies will seek also to establish whether the prevalence of birth defects is greater among children born to Gulf veterans than in the general population. These studies are expected to take between two and three years.

Lord Williams of Elvel

My Lords, is it the case that the studies, whose remit the noble Earl read out, will include studies into what is known as Gulf War syndrome? Will the Minister enlighten the House as to what is the Government's present view on the Gulf War syndrome, and whether or not they believe it exists?

Earl Howe

My Lords, we recognise that some individuals who served in the Gulf are ill. We keep an open mind as to any possible link with their service in the Gulf. Extensive investigations in this country and in other coalition countries have to date found no compelling medical or scientific evidence to suggest the existence of a Gulf War syndrome. But we are anxious that all those who believe that they are suffering unexplained symptoms should come forward for medical assessment so that they can be diagnosed and the appropriate treatment can be recommended.