§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will establish an independent scientific inquiry into reports of the existence of a medical condition peculiar to service in the Gulf conflict; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HanleyWe have no plans to do so as there remains no clinical evidence that members of the British armed forces who served in the Gulf conflict are suffering from any unexplained medical symptoms which would call for such an inquiry. My Department continues to monitor all the available information on the alleged syndrome and continues to offer medical assessments for those United Kingdom Gulf war personnel who are concerned about their health. Of the 11 so far assessed—of the 14 who have come forward for examination—all have been found to be suffering from separate but recognised medical conditions unconnected with their service in the Gulf.
§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent communications he has received from legal firms concerning Desert Storm syndrome; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HanleyThe Ministry of Defence has received correspondence from two firms of solicitors concerning the reported effects of the so-called Desert Storm syndrome. One is acting on behalf of an individual; the other wrote on behalf of a group of solicitors who have indicated that they will be acting for a number of service and ex-service personnel. We have not yet been informed how many individuals this group will represent.