Written question asked by Ken Livingstone (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 6 March 1997. It was answered by Oliver Heald (Conservative) on Thursday, 6 March 1997 on behalf of the Department of Social Security.

Dept of Social Security

Question: How many former service personnel who participated in the nuclear tests programmes in Australia and the South Pacific have been awarded war pensions after they developed (a) leukaemia, excluding chronic lymphatic or (b) multiple myeloma; when was the first time that former service personnel were awarded war pensions after developing these illnesses. - Inc list.

Answer: Mr. Livingstone: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many former service personnel who participated in the nuclear tests programmes in Australia and the south Pacific have been awarded war pensions after they developed (a) leukaemia, excluding chronic lymphatic or (b) multiple myeloma; when was the first time that former service personnel were awarded war pensions after developing these illnesses; and if he will make a statement. [17952] Mr. Heald: The information is as follows: Awards made in respect of Leukaemia (excluding chronic lymphatic leukaemia) Four war disablement pensions and seven war widow's pensions. Awards made in respect of multiple myeloma Ten war disablement pensions and three war widow's pensions. The first awards were made in 1988 following publication of the National Radiological Protection Board's first report on the subsequent health of nuclear test participants. The report did not causally relate multiple myeloma or leukaemia to participation, but its evidence was regarded as raising a reasonable doubt--the standard of proof required for the award of war pension in such cases--that those conditions--excluding chronic lymphatic leukaemia--may have resulted from participation in the tests.

Secondary information