Written question asked by Ann Winterton (Conservative) on Monday, 8 May 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 11 May 2000. It was answered by Lord Moonie (Labour) on Thursday, 11 May 2000 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what reports he has received about compensation paid by the New Zealand Government for damage to health of servicemen as a result of nuclear tests. - Including figures.

Answer: Mrs. Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what reports he has received about compensation paid by the New Zealand Government for damage to health of servicemen as a result of nuclear tests. [121616] Dr. Moonie: The New Zealand Government have not, to our knowledge, paid compensation to servicemen who participated in nuclear test programmes. However, we are aware that as a result of a New Zealand Inquiry into the health status of veterans' children, published last year, a programme of assistance to test veterans and their families, funded by their Government, was recommended. Such assistance was to take the form of case management, family counselling and genetic counselling where appropriate. In addition, the New Zealand Government announced on 29 April 2000 the grants of NZ$200,000 (about £60,000) to the New Zealand Nuclear Test Veterans Association, a one-time payment to assist the purposes of the Association, including further research and initiatives which provide support to the veterans and their families.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 121616; 349 c449W
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Compensation Nuclear weapons Radiation exposure New Zealand Testing Veterans
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk