Questions
Asked by
To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the work and findings of the Medical Research Council (MRC) on Gulf War illnesses, published in 2003, whether they have asked the MRC for its comments on the report and findings of the Congressionally mandated United States Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War illnesses, published on 17 November 2008; and whether and by whom the MRC's work and findings have been peer-reviewed. [HL1381]
The Ministry of Defence have noted that the report published by the US Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses has been referred by the Department of Veterans Affairs to the Institute of Medicine for review. The Ministry of Defence is awaiting the outcome of this process before making any comments on the report (or inviting the MRC to make any comments) and deciding on any action it may wish to take relating to the report.
The 2003 MRC review of research into UK Gulf veterans' illnesses was carried out by the Military Health Research Advisory Group, an independent group of experts in the area. In carrying out its work, the MHRAG conducted a series of workshops to consult directly with the wider scientific community and parties interested in the field.
Asked by
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will ask the Congressionally-mandated United States Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses to peer review the work and findings of the Medical Research Council on Gulf War illnesses. [HL1499]
The 2003 Medical Research Council (MRC) review of research into UK Gulf veterans' illnesses was carried out by the Military Health Research Advisory Group (MHRAG), an independent group of experts in the area. Its aim was to review the published and emerging scientific findings and to advise on areas for future research. In carrying out its work, the MHRAG conducted a series of workshops to consult directly with the wider scientific community and parties interested in the field.
The primary research assessed by the MRC in its 2003 review of UK Gulf veterans' illnesses has already been peer reviewed. No further peer review of the MRC review itself is required.