HC Deb 18 January 1996 vol 269 cc732-3W
Mr. Alfred Morris

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received from doctors on the need for an independent inquiry into the incidence of birth deformities among the children of Gulf war veterans; and if he will make a statement. [9928]

Mr. Soames

My Department has no record of any representations having been received from doctors on the need for an independent inquiry into the incidence of birth deformities among children of Gulf war veterans.

Mr. Morris

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will commission an independent inquiry into the incidence of birth deformities among children of Gulf war veterans; and if he will make a statement. [9929]

Mr. Soames

My Department is not aware of any established scientific or medical evidence to suggest that there is a higher incidence of birth abnormality among children of Gulf war veterans than exists in the general population. In the circumstances, there are no grounds for an independent inquiry. However, as part of its investigations into the health effects of Gulf war service, my Department is actively considering, in conjunction with civilian medical specialists recommended by the Royal College of Physicians, whether there is any further research that should be undertaken in this area.