A DECISION to ban MPs asking questions about nuclear test veterans in the House of Commons has been described as ‘outrageous’.
More than 1,000 ex-service personnel, including Archie Ross, of Church Gresley, are currently locked in a battle for compensation with the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
The veterans have claimed that their involvement in weapons tests carried out in the 1950s has resulted in their declining health.
The MoD has denied negligence and a verdict on an appeal case is expected as early as next month.
But now the Commons authorities have told the Mail that they were able to apply a ban on debates and questions on the subject as the issue related to active court proceedings.
It was believed that questions in Parliament about nuclear veterans would be ‘sub judice’ and could prejudice the final decision of the ongoing court case.
A spokesman said: “It is for the House authorities to decide whether the sub judice resolution applies in any particular case.
“Government departments may be asked for factual information, for example on whether court proceedings are active, but they do not make the decisions.” The authority has also rebuffed rumours that the decision was taken following a letter from the MoD and reiterated that the decision was made without outside interference.
A spokesman for the British Nuclear Test Veterans’ Association said: “It is disgusting and outrageous that the Government has moved to ban MPs talking about this subject.
“Despite the case going to the Court of Appeal, no-one can understand why MPs have been gagged with regards to speaking on this subject.” A spokesman for the MoD added: “The legal case has proceeded to the Court of Appeal and as such is sub judice.
“Due to the nature and status of the nuclear test veterans’ case, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”
