Agent Orange test results on soil samples from Kindley Air Force Base are finally set to be released — three months later than expected.

Government shipped batches to Canada in its investigation into claims the lethal defoliant was dumped and burned when the base was occupied by the US military during the 1960s.

In July, Works and Engineering Minister Dennis Lister said results were expected by September 4, and that the public would be kept advised of Government's process.

On Friday, Mr. Lister said results were now in and a press conference would take place next week. He declined to comment further.

US Army veteran Ronald Slater alleges Agent Orange, now said to cause horrific disfigurements and serious illness to those exposed to it, was disposed at Kindley in the 1960s.

Mr. Slater said numerous barrels of the toxic substance were poured into deep pits and set on fire, sending thick smoke over nearby St. David's homes. He said he was then instructed to bulldoze the remaining waste into the sea.

During the 1960s, millions of gallons of Agent Orange were sprayed across parts of Vietnam by the US military.

Many Vietnam War veterans who have suffered ill health after being exposed to its chemical clouds have since claimed compensation from the US Government.

Mr. Slater believes his poor health, including Type Two diabetes, was brought on by exposure to Agent Orange and has been lobbying the US Government for compensation without success for months.

In July, Mr. Lister said the firm which undertook environmental testing at Kindley 12 years ago had confirmed that it had "aggressively sought" to determine whether Agent Orange was present, but that no measurable levels were found.

"I fully expect that the results of the current testing will be similar to the tests taken at the time of the US departure from the Baselands.

"As indicated, those extensive tests did not reveal any measurable levels of contaminants," he said.