§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what medical assistance has been sought by Kuwait and other nations in the Gulf regions to help people with asthma and other breathing disorders suffering from oil fire-polluted air from the burning Kuwait oil fields; and what assistance has been given.
§ Mr. DorrellWe have received no direct request from any country in the Gulf region. The World Health Organisation, however, is co-ordinating advice and assistance from a number of countries including the United Kingdom in handling potential medical problems134W arising from oil fires in Kuwait. My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for the Environment, is currently visiting Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State hopes to visit Kuwait at the end of this month. These visits will enable the Government to assess whether any additional assistance is required.