Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Addington (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Tuesday, 9 December 2008.

Gulf War Illnesses

Question: My Lords, these Benches wish to be associated with the condolences already expressed. Does the noble Lord agree that it has taken far too long to reach where we are at the moment? Would he care to estimate the total costs, working out what was lost by those affected and what it has cost us in benefits before we have reached this point?

Answer: My Lords, the Ministry of Defence has already apologised for processes and record-keeping and the way in which some of the early things were affected. The whole issue of where we are now on the science is in my view entirely reasonable. These are slow-to-develop situations, and they are situations where the most careful science must be considered. I reiterate that when it comes to compensation being paid to these individuals, the cases have been properly considered and the compensation is being paid.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 706 c259
Session: 2008-09
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Related items: Gulf War Illnesses
Tuesday, 13 January 2009
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Health hazards Iraq-Kuwait conflict Research USA Gulf War syndrome Organophosphates Pyridostigmine bromide US Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses Veterans
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk