Sir, – I recently heard an interesting report regarding the use of Lariam anti-malarial tablets by soldiers in the British Army. Since we have a large Army base at Catterick Garrison I thought it an appropriate subject to air in your paper.

The report stated that Lariam causes serious side effects in about one in 10 people, bad dreams, loss of sleep, and whole range of problems.

The report further stated that soldiers had committed suicide and others had developed psychotic problems while taking these tablets and this has resulted in the soldiers being dismissed from service.

Other points raised in the BBC report were:

1. The American army which developed the drug has banned its use in the US army because of the side effects.

2. The MoD refused to be questioned by the BBC, but issued a wishy-washy statement.

3. It was considered by one participant in the programme that the Surgeon General should be dismissed because he had failed to act.

4. These tablets are often given out by army officers rather than by qualified medical practitioners.

Parliament has now been dissolved and our MPs are only interested in politicking, but surely we owe a duty of care to our soldiers.

These tablets have been used for perhaps five to ten 10 years and the side effects have long been known, so this problem needs to be carefully investigated by competent independent people to establish the basic facts.

Why has the US army banned the drug? Is the drug allowed in the RAF and the Navy? Has the Surgeon General and the army investigated the problem? If so what were the results.

Finally, independent investigators should give their assessment.

That is what should happen. But the MoD has made its statement and there is no mechanism within the political system or the Army to allow an independent review.

BRIAN TYLDESLEY

Middleham.