Written question asked by Lord Morris of Manchester (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Drayson (Labour) on Monday, 23 February 2009.

Gulf War Illnesses

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the work and findings of the Medical Research Council (MRC) on Gulf War illnesses, published in 2003, whether they have asked the MRC for its comments on the report and findings of the Congressionally mandated United States Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War illnesses, published on 17 November 2008; and whether and by whom the MRC's work and findings have been peer-reviewed.

Answer: The Ministry of Defence have noted that the report published by the US Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses has been referred by the Department of Veterans Affairs to the Institute of Medicine for review. The Ministry of Defence is awaiting the outcome of this process before making any comments on the report (or inviting the MRC to make any comments) and deciding on any action it may wish to take relating to the report. The 2003 MRC review of research into UK Gulf veterans' illnesses was carried out by the Military Health Research Advisory Group, an independent group of experts in the area. In carrying out its work, the MHRAG conducted a series of workshops to consult directly with the wider scientific community and parties interested in the field.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 1381; 708 c15WA
Session: 2008-09
Related items: Deposited Paper DEP2009-2191
Friday, 24 July 2009
Deposited papers
House of Lords
Subjects: Health hazards Iraq-Kuwait conflict Research USA Gulf War syndrome Medical Research Council US Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses Veterans
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk