Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what support his Department provides to ex-service personnel with tinnitus and other hearing loss difficulties.

The Ministry of Defence takes this issue very seriously and is already funding research and seeking to build a consortium of expertise in the UK to look across the 'Protect, Detect and Treat' spectrum with a focus on earlier and better detection of hearing problems. In addition we are identifying opportunities for international collaboration.

The provision of healthcare for Veterans is the responsibility of NHS England and the Devolved Administrations. Veterans are entitled to priority status for conditions due to their service subject to the clinical needs of others. Further support is provided to veterans through the Veterans Welfare Service who can be reached on their free helpline 0808 1914 2 18.

In his Autumn Statement 2014 on 2 December 2014 the Chancellor announced that £10 million from LIBOR fines would be made available for veterans with hearing problems. The Department for Health has met with The Royal British Legion to consider how this money can best be utilised.