Norman Lamb Urges Porton Down Veterans to Get in Touch without Delay

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 6th May 2008

Norman Lamb MP has urged any constituents, who were Porton Down veterans, to contact him immediately regarding potential government compensation to servicemen who participated in experiments at the MoD's Chemical Laboratories. Mr Lamb is determined to see that his constituents are aware of their right to claim, "If anyone thinks they might be entitled to compensation, please contact me immediately. The government has given a deadline of 30th June 2008 for all claims to be made so it is essential that any Porton Down veterans in North Norfolk pursue their claim right away."

In January of this year law firm, Thomas, Snell and Passmore, reached a deal with the MoD on behalf of 359 servicemen or their families. There is now a second wave of claims being prepared and the Minister has agreed to consider all meritorious claims provided they are made by 30th June 2008.

Background

The claim against the MoD stems from the 1940's to 1980's when servicemen were exposed to various chemical agents, including Sarin and mustard gas, at the Porton Down establishment. The veterans have stated that they were not informed about the nature or health risks associated with the chemical agents they were exposed to. Many believed that they were assisting in the quest to find a cure for the common cold and it has only been recently that they have discovered the exact nature of the chemical agents they were exposed to.