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Mark will tomorrow (Tues, Oct 16) make a statement at an inquiry into the medical effects of nuclear tests in the 50s.
A parliamentary inquiry has begun into British nuclear tests in the South Pacific, which veterans say led to genetic defects.
Veterans claim they were not given proper protection during the Christmas Island testing programme, and they or their children have become ill as a
result.
The inquiry will hear from scientists on the impact of the radiation and from the veterans themselves.
Of the 700 veterans in the middle of legal proceedings, 400 are from the UK and 300 are Commonwealth colleagues from New Zealand and Fiji .
They claim there is a higher incidence of cancer, deformities and skin problems among the group and their families as a result.
Mark has previously led an adjournment debate in parliament on the subject prompted by the experience of his constituent Archie Ross of Castle Gresley who
was an instrument fitter with RAF Transport Command when he witnessed one of the bombs.
Mr Ross attended the inquiry, which is being chaired by Conservative MP John Baron and Labour MP Dr Ian Gibson.
Mark said: “I will argue that while concrete evidence of precise linkages between exposure to radiation and subsequent illnesses in either the veteran or
their offspring remains elusive there are strong arguments for a review of the Ministry of Defence’s position – which has been to allow claims for war pensions for sufferers of a small group of
conditions.
“This contrasts with the position in the USA (where similar tests were carried out involving service personnel). If a person can demonstrate that they
were involved in a particular test and developed one of 15 illnesses, there is a presumption, which does not require a test in court, that they should be compensated for that experience. I don’t
understand why we choose not to follow a similar path. The Australian Government has also, to a lesser extent, adopted a presumed cause approach. In New Zealand the government has grant-aided
research carried out on behalf of veterans. “
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October 15 - Inquiry begins into nuclear tests