§ Lord Morris of Manchesterasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their response to the comments made by the House of Commons Defence Select Committee (7th Report, HC125) about the Government's efforts to improve the quality of life of Gulf War veterans with still undiagnosed illnesses; and whether they accept the recommendation that there should now be improved financial provision and better access to medical treatment for such veterans. [HL2490]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanGulf veterans who are ill because of their military service may already qualify for government financial assistance; all are entitled to be referred to the Gulf Veterans' Medical Assessment Programme and those who are ill have access to medical treatment, either from the NHS or the Defence Medical Services.
The Government welcome the Defence Select Committee's report Gulf Veterans' Illnesses which was published on 11 May. Full consideration is now being given to the recommendations made in the report. In line with standard parliamentary procedure, the Government will respond to the committee once this process is complete. It is expected that this will be in the form of a memorandum in July, which the committee may then publish.