Mr. MalinTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether(a) civilian support staff and (b) military personnel are required to prove that injuries or illnesses are Gulf war related before they are entitled to compensation from the Government. [105954]
§ Dr. MoonieClaims for common law compensation made against the Ministry of Defence by anyone are considered on the basis of whether or not the Ministry of Defence has a legal liability to pay compensation. Where there is a legal liability to pay compensation we do so.
No-fault compensation for Service personnel disabled as a result of their Service is provided in the form of the War Pensions Scheme. A war disablement pension can be paid for any disablement provided a causal link to Service is accepted.
As at 31 December 2002, 2,364 Gulf veterans were in receipt of a war disablement pension (this figure includes awards for both Gulf and non-Gulf related illness).