§ The Countess of Marasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are aware of any British forces who served in Operation Granby who were bitten by sand flies whilst in the desert, and whether they have looked for, or found, leishmania infection among members of those forces who have complained of ill-health.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Henley)The possible threat to UK personnel from sand fly bites during Operation Granby was well recognised and effective protective measures were taken. Tests for leishmaniasis are routinely performed on all personnel whose service and personnel history, symptoms and signs are suggestive of the disease. No case of leishmania has been found in British armed forces personnel who served in the Gulf.