Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what support his Department has given to the children of nuclear test veterans who have suffered congenital deformities and unidentified illnesses as a result of their fathers being stationed on Christmas Island during nuclear tests in the 1950s.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has seen no published peer-reviewed evidence of excess illness or mortality among nuclear test veterans or their offspring as a group that could be linked to their participation in the UK's atmospheric nuclear tests or to exposure to radiation as a result of that participation. Formal and well-documented procedures were in place to ensure the health and safety of those participating in the tests.

Any veteran who believes they have suffered ill health due to service has the right to apply for no-fault compensation under the War Pensions Scheme. War Pensions are payable in respect of illness or injury as a result of service in the Armed Forces before 6 April 2005, with the benefit of reasonable doubt always given to the claimant. Decisions are medically certified and follow consideration of available service and medical evidence and carry full rights of appeal to an independent Tribunal.

The provision of healthcare to nuclear test veterans and their children is primarily the responsibility of the National Health Service, who work in close partnership with the MOD and Service charities to ensure that veterans get the best possible care. The MOD is determined to ensure that veterans who require help are provided with appropriate support including through the Veterans UK helpline and the Veterans Welfare Service which can be contacted on Freephone: 0808 1914 2 18

On 11 November 2016 the MOD announced a consortium of charities led by The Royal British Legion had been selected to provide the Veteran's Gateway. The Veterans Gateway programme, funded by a £2 million Covenant Fund grant, will provide a one-stop service to better support the veterans' community and help in accessing public, private and charitable services in the UK. It will provide a 24/7 telephone number, dedicated website and mobile app to make it easier for veterans to access support on issues including housing, employability and health. It will be formally launched in the first half of 2017.