Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 2 November to Question 70978 on Armed Forces: Huntington’s Disease, when the ban on those at risk of developing Huntington's disease from serving in the Armed Forces was last reviewed; and by whom.

All of the medical employment standards for the Armed Forces, including those relating to Huntington's disease, are kept under periodic review. This considers a number of factors such as:

• The academic and clinical literature around the possible risks associated with the condition or presenting illness, and how that may impact military taskings.

• The risks of relapse and exacerbation of conditions or presenting clinical issues posed by the military environment and stressful taskings this may involve.

• The availability of medical support and evacuation capabilities on operations.

These areas are examined through academic reviews of the field, subject matter expert consultation and consensus. Careful consideration of these factors is the subject of regular reviews by a working group, consisting of military health professionals and military occupational physicians. The guidance with regards to Huntington's disease was last reviewed in August 2019.