Written question asked by Lord Bramall (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Taylor of Bolton (Labour) on Thursday, 18 June 2009.

Gulf War Illnesses

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Answer by Baroness Taylor of Bolton on 19 May (WA 295) on the report of the Congressionally-mandated United States Research Advisory Committee's Inquiry into Gulf War illnesses, whether they have now checked the accuracy of Lord Tunnicliffe's Statement on 27 April (Official Report, House of Lords, cols. 8–10) that the US Institute of Medicine was then reviewing the report; and whether they will amend the statement.

Answer: Government answers on the US Research Advisory Committee report have been accurate and reflect what the US authorities have publicly stated. There is no requirement for an amendment taking into account the information that has currently been made available to the Government. We have not seen the letter dated 24 April referred to by Lord Morris during the Answer given by Lord Tunnicliffe on 27 April (Official Report, col. 8-10) but we have requested a copy. If the letter dated 24 April provides further information on the Institute of Medicine (IOM) review then we will take this into account. However, we do not believe that this will alter the position that the IOM is due to publish its findings in February 2010, having been asked to review the report and make recommendations. Further information on the IOM review, provided by the US Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), can be found by accessing the US House Committee on Veterans Affairs website at http://veterans.house.gov/hearings/hearing.aspx?NewsID=394.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 4180; 711 c226WA
Session: 2008-09
Related items: Gulf War Illnesses
Monday, 27 April 2009
Oral questions
House of Lords; Gulf War Illnesses
Tuesday, 19 May 2009
Written questions
House of Lords; Gulf War Illnesses
Tuesday, 21 July 2009
Written questions
House of Lords; Gulf War Illnesses
Monday, 5 October 2009
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Iraq-Kuwait conflict Research USA Gulf War syndrome US Institute of Medicine Veterans
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk