Disgrace of 50-year wait.

It was no great surprise that an inquest jury ruled yesterday that North-East soldier Ronald Maddison was unlawfully killed after taking part in a secret nerve gas test more than 50 years ago.

Few who followed the inquest could see any other verdict being reached ( and it is to be hoped that the truth, even half a century late, brings some comfort to his family.

It is to be hoped it also brings a just conclusion to the cases of the other servicemen who had their health put at risk and their trust abused by their own government.

That it has taken 50 years for the truth about what happened at Porton Down to emerge is a disgrace.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman last night said it had "noted" the jury's findings and will now "take some time to reflect" on it.

That, too, is a disgrace.

How much longer is this issue going to be allowed to drag on?

What, exactly, is to be reflected on?

The facts are simple.

British soldiers were asked to volunteer for seemingly innocent medical experiments but were, in fact, exposed to nerve gas so that the military ( and, by extension, the government of the day ( could test their new weapons materials.

Government scientists used their own people as guinea pigs ( and the resultant tragedy was covered up.

One has to wonder just what the MoD has to consider. Yes, it was a long time ago. Yes, many of those involved are long dead.

But the passage of time and loss of those in charge does not change the facts.

Or the fact that the only honourable way forward is compensation for those involved now and a public inquiry into this shameful episode in Britain's military history.