§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the review of compensation arrangements for Gulf War veterans will examine the seven-year rule on eligibility for war pensions; and if he will make a statement. [1540491
§ Dr. MoonieI refer the hon. Member to the answer which my hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Eastwood (Mr. Murphy) on 16 March 2001,Official Report, column 756W. The Ministry of Defence Consultation Document on the Joint Compensation Review is not confined to arrangements for Gulf veterans, but seeks views on the general eligibility for claims under a new compensation scheme. We will give careful consideration to all views put forward during the consultation phase. The proposals resulting from the review do not envisage changing the eligibility for claims under the DSS administered War Pension Scheme.