Written question asked by Lord Tyler (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Sainsbury of Turville (Labour) on Monday, 6 November 2006.

Gulf War Illnesses

Question: Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Sainsbury of Turville on 16 October (WA 174), what study the Medical Research Council has made of the research on immune abnormalities associated with chronic fatigue syndrome at the University of Miami School of Medicine and its possible relevance to illnesses among British veterans of the 1990-91 Gulf War.

Answer: In January 2003, the Medical Research Council (MRC), through the Military Health Research Advisory Group (MHRAG), undertook a comprehensive review of relevant Gulf research, including both UK and overseas studies. The review considered research on immune abnormalities associated with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) at the University of Miami School of Medicine. Some other research relevant to CFS/myalgic encephalomyelitis was also considered. The review made a number of recommendations in terms of further research, other data that needed collection and additional reviews that should be undertaken. The monitoring of emerging research of possible relevance to Gulf War veterans was not part of these recommendations, and MRC has no plans to undertake this monitoring.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 8034; 686 c88WA
Session: 2005-06
Related items: Gulf War Illnesses
Monday, 16 October 2006
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: ME/CFS Diseases Iraq-Kuwait conflict Research USA Gulf War syndrome Medical Research Council Veterans
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk