HC Deb 13 January 1995 vol 252 cc271-2W
Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his estimate of the number of current and ex-service men thought to be suffering from desert fever syndrome.

Mr. Soames

We have no scientific evidence to date that any current or ex-members of the British armed forces are suffering from the alleged desert fever syndrome, nor is there any medical or scientific evidence of its existence as a separate medical condition. My Department has established a medical assessment programme for any Gulf veteran who is concerned about his or her health as a result of service in the Gulf conflict. Around 200 have already come forward and none of those so far examined has been found to be suffering from a medical condition peculiar to their Gulf service. For their own reassurance I would urge any concerned individuals who have not already done so to come forward for examination as soon as possible.

Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will set up an independent inquiry into the syndrome known as desert fever syndrome; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Soames

There remain no scientific or medical evidence that members of the British armed forces who served in the Gulf conflict are suffering from any unexplained symptoms that would call for such an inquiry. We do, however, keep this matter under continuous review.

Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has had from individuals and organisations concerning desert fever syndrome; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Soames

Approximately 90 representations have been received from individuals and seven from interested organisations relating to the alleged desert storm syndrome. Most have expressed concern about media reports of a mystery illness affecting United Kingdom Gulf veterans. In responding to them, my Department has taken the opportunity to present the known scientific and medical facts—which show no evidence of a medical condition peculiar to service in the Gulf—to provide reassurance of our concern for the health of all United Kingdom service personnel, and to offer individual medical assessment to veterans concerned that their health may have been affected by service in the Gulf.