Thalidomide

Oral Answers to Questions — Health – in the House of Commons at 2:30 pm on 23 June 2009.

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Photo of Roger Williams Roger Williams Opposition Whip (Commons), Shadow Secretary of State for Wales, Shadow Minister (Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) 2:30, 23 June 2009

If he will bring forward proposals for a new compensation scheme for thalidomide victims in cases where the drug was prescribed on the NHS; and if he will make a statement.

Photo of Mike O'Brien Mike O'Brien Minister of State (Health Services), Department of Health

Thalidomide victims have some compensation through a private settlement agreed by the Thalidomide Trust and Diageo plc. Government policy is not to make ex gratia payments to a patient whose health has been harmed by a drug, where the responsibility lies with a company.

Photo of Roger Williams Roger Williams Opposition Whip (Commons), Shadow Secretary of State for Wales, Shadow Minister (Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The victims of thalidomide are now considerably older than they were when the initial scheme was established, and their needs are greater. Many are now unable to work, and the cost of acquiring the necessary equipment to support them is often prohibitive. Will the Minister look again at the funds that remain available for thalidomide victims, and will he have discussions with Treasury colleagues about the possibility of increasing that funding?

Photo of Mike O'Brien Mike O'Brien Minister of State (Health Services), Department of Health

If the hon. Gentleman is talking about further compensation, I have already set out the policy position of the Government. If, however, he is talking about more tailored NHS payments, I am prepared to discuss that with those who represent thalidomide victims, who would perhaps be in a position to use some of the direct payment initiatives that we are considering in the Health Bill, which is currently before the House. That might provide us with some way of better serving those who are dealing with that condition.