§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what non-medical monitoring his Department undertakes on the activities of(a) serving and (b) non-serving soldiers with relation to Gulf war syndrome. [17168]
§ Mr. SoamesThere is no monitoring of the activities of serving or former members of the armed forces in relation to the alleged Gulf war syndrome. As part of our investigation, however, all available material relating to the alleged syndrome is collated. This material includes: potential claims for compensation received from Gulf war veterans; media reports concerning the alleged syndrome which may refer to Gulf veterans; and correspondence with my Department from Gulf veterans and others. Where appropriate, individual veterans whose concern for their health comes to the attention of my Department are contacted and invited to take part in the medical assessment programme.
§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will rule out the possibility that chemical weapons were used during the 1990–91 Gulf war. [17177]
§ Mr. SoamesNo confirmed reports of the detection of chemical warfare agent have been received relating to the Gulf conflict.
§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what investigations the MOD police have undertaken in respect of Gulf war syndrome. [17169]
§ Mr. SoamesNone.
§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what reports from other countries concerning analysis of weapons usage by Iraq in the Gulf war his Department has received. [17176]
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§ Mr. SoamesMy Department regularly exchanges information and assessments with allies, including data on analysis of weapons usage by Iraq in the Gulf war.
§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if a register is maintained by his Department of membership of the Gulf War Veterans Association. [17178]
§ Mr. SoamesNo such register is held by my Department.