Written question asked by Llew Smith (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 January 1997. It was answered by Lord Soames of Fletching (Conservative) on Monday, 20 January 1997 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: What examination his Department's research into Gulf War Syndrome undertook of the transitional breakdown products of the pesticide diazinon; and what externally produced research papers on this pesticide have been evaluated by his Department.

Answer: Mr. Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what examination his Department's research into Gulf war syndrome undertook of the transitional breakdown products of the pesticide, diazinon; and what externally produced research papers on this pesticide have been evaluated by his Department. [10898] Mr. Soames: My Department has not undertaken any research into the health effects of pesticides containing diazinon. As was stated in the report of the organophosphate pesticide investigation team, paragraph 3.D.31, there is a possibility that during deployment to the Gulf in 1990-91 a small number of personnel could have used a pesticide containing diazinon, which was purchased locally, for a limited period. As far as the Department is aware, these are the only circumstances under which British forces may have used a pesticide containing diazinon. The Ministry of Defence has not evaluated any externally produced research papers on diazinon.

Secondary information