HL Deb 14 March 2001 vol 623 cc93-4WA
The Countess of Mar

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are aware that Gulf War veterans in the United States are not permitted to be blood donors; and what their advice is to British Gulf War veterans who might wish to become blood donors. [HL1032]

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath

The United States did ban Gulf War veterans from donating blood from 1991 to 1993. The military health services were concerned that the veterans might have contracted Leishmaniasis while serving in the Middle East. In 1993 the ban was lifted.

The National Blood Service does not exclude Gulf War veterans from donating blood. The UK blood services' guidance on eligibility to donate is drawn up by a Standing Advisory Committee on the Care and Selection of Donors. That committee reviews the criteria on a regular basis.