Nuclear Test Medals 2023-09-11
2023-09-11
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question follows up on the production of nuclear test medals for veterans.
What steps his Department is taking to deliver nuclear test medals. The Minister will know that I take an interest in the veterans issue, and I declare an interest as the president of Hinckley's Royal British Legion. A constituent, Alfred Roy Davenport, served in the RAF medical team from November 1956 to November 1959, stationed on Christmas Island. He is 85 and concerned about the delay there has been in the awarding of these medals.
The Government are doing everything possible to ensure that as many nuclear test veterans as possible receive their medals in time for Remembrance Sunday. A presentation event to award the first medals is actively being considered by the Office for Veterans' Affairs, but it is a balance between issuing the medals for Remembrance Sunday and ensuring that they are awarded in an appropriate manner to this cohort.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm all veterans will receive their awards by Remembrance Sunday
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question concerns the timely delivery of nuclear test medals to veterans for Remembrance Sunday.
A constituent, Alfred Roy Davenport, served in the RAF medical team from November 1956 to November 1959, stationed on Christmas Island. He is 85 and concerned about the delay there has been in the awarding of these medals, so can my right hon. Friend confirm that all veterans will have these awards ready for Remembrance Sunday?
The Government are doing everything possible to ensure that as many nuclear test veterans as possible receive their medals in time for Remembrance Sunday. A presentation event to award the first medals is actively being considered by the Office for Veterans' Affairs, but it is a balance between issuing the medals for Remembrance Sunday and ensuring that they are awarded in an appropriate manner to this cohort.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm all veterans will receive their awards by Remembrance Sunday
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses concerns about missing files in the MOD's health records for nuclear test veterans.
In a written question to the Minister, I asked whether any files had been removed from the MOD's health records of nuclear test veterans. He assured me that the Department was “not aware” of any removal, but many nuclear veterans continue to report finding large gaps when requesting their medical records. Can the Minister therefore clarify, if the files have not been removed, how nuclear veterans and their families can gain full access to them?
They will need to apply for a subject access request. I reiterate what I said in my answer to her written question: we of course do everything we can to locate records when people request them, and I assure her that we could find none on this occasion.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not clarify how veterans can gain full access to their health records
Response accuracy