§ Mr. CarmichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what criteria have to be met in order for British Gulf war veterans to be eligible for compensation from the UK Government. [29380]
§ Dr. Moonie[holding answer 25 January 2002]: When claims for compensation are submitted they are considered on the basis of whether or not on the balance of probabilities the Ministry of Defence has a common law liability to pay compensation. Where there is a legal liability arising from negligence to pay compensation we do so. The amount of compensation awarded is assessed in accordance with an individual's symptoms, degree of disability, personal circumstances and the levels being awarded by the courts in similar cases.
The MOD has received about 2,000 notices of intention to claim from Gulf veterans and members of their families in respect of illness allegedly arising from the Gulf conflict, but no writs or claims of sufficient detail to be considered have been received.
The War Pensions Agency also makes provision for ex-service personnel suffering from injury or disease attributable to their service in the form of a war pension and associated benefits.