§ The Countess of Marasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether all members of the Territorial Army and the reserves were fully informed of the correct procedures, including rights of appeal, for medical discharge prior to their discharge from service in the Gulf War; and, if they were, in what form this information was provided. [HL3497]
§ The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Gilbert)Arrangements were made for reservists to complete medical questionnaires and to be medically examined at the place of demobilisation following their service in the Gulf conflict. A reservist who was considered to have suffered from a serious injury or front ill health should normally have been referred to a medical board for further examination and subsequently informed of the board's findings. A reservist recommended by a board for medical discharge should also have been advised about financial benefits that could be claimed if the injury or illness was considered to be attributable to service.
So long after the cessation of hostilities, it is no longer possible to give a categorical assurance that proper procedures were in fact followed in respect of all members of the reserve forces who served in the Gulf. However, reservists who believe that their case was not handled fairly, or that there had been some other form of maladministration, are welcome to make a formal redress of complaint in accordance with the provisions set out in Queen's Regulations. Advice and clarification on the procedures and regulations are available, if requested, from their unit or, in the case of ex-regular reservists, their manning and records authority.