§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the medical tests conducted on Gulf War Veteran Warrant Officer Ray Bristow of the 32 field hospital in the Royal Army Medical Corps in respect of suspected health damage arising from exposure to depleted uranium dust during the Gulf War. [57090]
§ Mr. Doug HendersonThe Ministry of Defence is aware that Dr. Asaf Durakovic, a US physician, is reported as having carried out tests for the presence of depleted uranium (DU) on some UK Gulf veterans, including Mr. Raymond Bristow. However, we have not yet seen details of either the tests which have been performed or the results obtained. Accordingly, the MOD cannot comment on Dr. Durakovic's reported findings.
The MOD is well aware that a link has been suggested between possible exposure to DU and the illnesses being experienced by some Gulf veterans. However, this is only one of a number of factors which have been suggested as causes of Gulf veterans' illnesses and, pending further medical and scientific evidence, my Department is keeping an open mind on this issue.
Any Gulf veteran who is concerned that his or her health has been adversely affected by Service during the Gulf conflict, including possible exposure to DU, is urged to seek a referral to the MOD's Medical Assessment Programme.