HC Deb 11 May 2000 vol 349 cc448-9W
Mrs. Ann Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many claims for compensation for damage to health by British nuclear test veterans have been made; and how many have been settled. [121613]

Dr. Moonie

My Department has recorded 144 claims for compensation from British Nuclear Test veterans. As there is no evidence of excess illness or mortality among British Nuclear Test veterans as a group which could be linked to their participation in the nuclear tests, no compensation claims from them have been settled. In any event, prior to May 1987, Service personnel were prevented from pursuing claims for compensation from the Ministry of Defence by section 10 of the Crown Proceedings Act 1947. The repeal of section 10 by the Crown Proceedings (Armed Forces) Act 1987 was not made retrospective and claims arising from injury or illness caused before the repeal are barred by law.

Mrs. Ann Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he last met ex-British service personnel nuclear test victims to discuss compensation for damage to health; and if he will make a statement. [121614]

Dr. Moonie

There have been no meetings between my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence and British nuclear test veterans to discuss compensation. There have, however, been extensive exchanges of correspondence relating to compensation between Defence Ministers and the British Nuclear Tests Veterans Association, as well as with Members of Parliament.

Mrs. Ann Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what reports he has received about compensation paid by the New Zealand Government for damage to health of servicemen as a result of nuclear tests. [121616]

Dr. Moonie

The New Zealand Government have not, to our knowledge, paid compensation to servicemen who participated in nuclear test programmes. However, we are aware that as a result of a New Zealand Inquiry into the health status of veterans' children, published last year, a programme of assistance to test veterans and their families, funded by their Government, was recommended. Such assistance was to take the form of case management, family counselling and genetic counselling where appropriate.

In addition, the New Zealand Government announced on 29 April 2000 the grants of NZ$200,000 (about £60,000) to the New Zealand Nuclear Test Veterans Association, a one-time payment to assist the purposes of the Association, including further research and initiatives which provide support to the veterans and their families.