Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what effect the Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill will have on the ability of the offspring of service personnel to claim compensation for genetic mutations, deformities and related illnesses in the event that knowledge of those conditions pre-dates by more than six years the proof of a link between those conditions and the exposure of the service personnel from whom they are descended to radiation.

Nuclear Test Veterans who believe they have suffered ill health due to their service have the right to apply for no-fault compensation under the War Pensions Scheme.

The limitation longstops in Part 2 of the Overseas Operations Bill will apply only to tort claims for personal injury and death, and claims under the Human Rights Act, in relation to overseas operations, which are brought after the provisions come into force. The six-year limitation longstops will therefore have no impact on claims under the War Pensions scheme, which includes disablement and death benefits.