The 100,000 pounds (146.000 euros, 187,400 dollars) will be shared between eight relatives of Ronald Maddison, who died aged 20 after the agent sarin was dropped on his arm at the Porton Down military research facility in 1953.

A British coroner's inquest in November 2004 -- demanded by his family -- ruled that he was unlawfully killed. A previous inquest in 1953, held behind closed doors on national security grounds, gave a verdict of misadventure.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) in London confirmed the report to AFP, adding: "We regret the unfortunate death of Ronald Maddison but are delighted that an amicable settlement has been reached with his family."

A spokesman said he could not comment on a separate report from the BBC that about 500 veterans who took part in experiments at the southwest England military base were now seeking compensation in a mass claim.

The BBC quoted Alan Care, a lawyer acting for the Maddison family as saying the settlement would pave the way for further pay-outs for the other servicemen who claim they were duped into taking part in the tests.

No documentation had been received, the MoD spokesman said.

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