Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to provide (a) support and (b) compensation for veterans who left the Armed Forces before 1987 and have since developed health conditions linked to their service.

The War Pension Scheme (WPS) provides no-fault compensation for all ex-service personnel where illness, injury or death is caused by Service before 6 April 2005.

Compensation is paid for injuries or illnesses that arise as a result of Service or are made worse by Service. The scheme awards a disablement percentage between 0% and 100%, with those awarded at 20% - 100% receiving an ongoing weekly war pension, and those awarded at 1% - 19% receiving a one-off gratuity payment.

The WPS is also open to Veterans diagnosed with diffuse mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos during their military service prior to 6 April 2005, offering either a lump sum or regular payments.

The Ministry of Defence delivers a range of services to Veterans and their families. This includes the administration and payment of Armed Forces pensions and compensation, the provision of tailored advice and assistance through the Veterans Welfare Service, Defence Transition Services and the Integrated Personal Commissioning for Veterans.