Written question asked by Michael Meacher (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 16 October 1996. It was answered by Lord Soames of Fletching (Conservative) on Wednesday, 16 October 1996 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: If he will now make it his policy to investigate media allegations of cases of the Gulf War Syndrome if invited to do so in parliamentary questions from honourable Members.

Answer: Mr. Meacher: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will now make it his policy to investigate media allegations of cases of the Gulf war syndrome if invited to do so in parliamentary questions from hon. Members. [40734] Mr. Soames: Our first duty, and prime concern, is to the health of those veterans who served in the Gulf, and we will of course explore any information made available which may have affected the health of those veterans. The proper means for the medical examination of Gulf veterans who are concerned about their health is the medical assessment programme which we established in 1993. I urge any veteran who has such concerns and has not yet been seen by the MAP to come forward as soon as possible.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 40734; 282 c923W;282 c921W
Session: 1995-96
Subjects: Armed forces Armed conflict Chemical weapons Casualties Iraq-Kuwait conflict Medical examinations Media Gulf War syndrome Veterans