HL Deb 12 January 1998 vol 584 cc144-5WA
Lord Ironside

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many ex-service personnel and reservists known to be suffering from latent adverse effects of immunisation treatment against chemical warfare agents who have not been awarded disability pensions or grants have been awarded Disability Living Allowance and Disability Working Allowance.

Baroness Hollis of Heigham

The information is not available. No statistics are maintained on recipients of Disability Living Allowance or Disability Working Allowance which could provide the answer to this Question.

Lord Ironside

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many ex-service personnel and reservists known to be suffering from the latent adverse effects of immunisation treatment against chemical warfare agents have been awarded disability pensions or grants.

Baroness Hollis of Heigham

No awards have been made under the War Pensions Scheme in respect of latent adverse reactions to either immunisation against biological warfare agents or prophylactic protection against chemical warfare agents. However, where any ex-serviceman or woman has any disablement, and where a claim for war pension is made in respect of that disablement within seven years of termination of service in the armed forces, the onus is on the Secretary of State to show, beyond reasonable doubt. that the disablement is not due to, or has not been aggravated by, service. Where she cannot do that, an award will normally be made.