Written question asked by Andrew Dismore (Labour) on Friday, 13 June 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 23 June 2003. It was answered by Ivor Caplin (Labour) on Monday, 23 June 2003 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what kinds of illnesses, at present accepted under the burden of proof for the war pensions scheme, would cease to be accepted under his proposed changes; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what kinds of illnesses, at present accepted under the burden of proof for the war pensions scheme, would cease to be accepted under his proposed changes; and if he will make a statement. [120012] Mr. Caplin: The proposals arising from the reviews of the Armed Forces Pension and Compensation arrangements are currently under consideration by Ministers. Illnesses or injuries would only fail to be accepted under the new scheme proposals where, on a balance of probabilities standard of proof, they were considered not to be caused or significantly aggravated by Service. The Department's decisions on claims would be subject to appeal to an independent tribunal.

Secondary information