Health: Thalidomide

House of Lords

Written answers and statements, 21 October 2009

All Written Answers on 21 Oct 2009 Next answer » « Previous answer


Photo of Lord Ashley of Stoke

Lord Ashley of Stoke (Labour)

To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they are taking to support people affected by thalidomide.

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will meet people affected by thalidomide together with representatives of the firm Diageo to discuss increased compensation.

Photo of Baroness Thornton

Baroness Thornton (Baronesses in Waiting, HM Household; Labour)

Thalidomide survivors are already compensated through a private settlement agreed between the Thalidomide Trust, the body established to administer payments to survivors, and Diageo PLC. We have no plans to meet representatives from Diageo to discuss further compensation. This is a matter solely for the parties concerned.

Those living with the effects of thalidomide are able to access the full range of health and social care. My colleague, the Minister of State for Health, has already met the National Advisory Council to the Thalidomide Trust and hopes to meet it again on 22 October to explore ways of improving access to personal budgets and direct payments in social care, as well as developing a pilot that tests the use of personal budgets for thalidomide survivors. This will potentially tailor help to each individual according to their needs.

Does this answer the above question?

Yes! 1 person thinks so!
No! 0 people think not!

Would you like to ask a question like this yourself? Use our Freedom of Information site.

Annotations

No annotations

 

Sign in or join to post a public annotation.