Mr. William O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his policy in respect of payment of compensation to ex-service men who are identified as suffering from Meniere's disease; how many claims have been made in the last 12 months; and how many were successful. [10145]
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§ Mr. SoamesMy Department's policy on paying compensation to ex-service men who have Meniere's disease is no different from that which applies if a claim is received in respect of any other illness. Former Ministry of Defence employees are entitled to, and receive, compensation if the Ministry of Defence is legally liable for their illness or vicariously liable for any medical negligence. Information on the number of claims for hearing loss specifically relating to Meniere's disease made in the last 12 months, and how many were successful, could be provided only at disproportionate cost.