Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Addington (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Thursday, 11 October 2007.

Gulf War Illnesses

Question: My Lords, will the Minister consider the fact that the Americans, our closest ally in that conflict, have been considerably more speedy and more generous in dealing with this situation? Should not this be a case in which Great Britain is following the American lead?

Answer: My Lords, as I have already said to the House, I accept that the way in which this has been handled by the department has not been good. However, the measures that we have put in place, the recognition of the umbrella term, the letters to veterans, the research that is being undertaken and the focus on rehabilitation are in response to that recognition. The noble Lord says that the Americans have been more generous and have acted more speedily; I do not think that is a helpful comparison to make at this time. The Ministry of Defence is now doing everything that it should be doing in this case; however, it should have done it earlier.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 695 c342
Session: 2006-07
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Families Iraq-Kuwait conflict War pensions Gulf War syndrome Veterans
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk