11. Hannamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations she has received from the Association of Parents of Vaccine-damaged Children; and if she will make a statement.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Security (Mr. Alfred Morris)My right hon. Friend has received a number of reports and letters from the association. My right hon. Friend has met it and has expressed our interest in and sympathy with the case it has made. As we have explained to it, however, matters of this kind are being studied by the Royal Commission on Compensation and Civil Liability.
§ Mr. HannamIs the Minister aware that the parents of the approximately 250 brain-damaged children are sick and fed up with being shuttled between him and the Attorney-General? Is he aware of their resentment at being accused of trying to attack the immunisation scheme, when all that they are seeking, like the thalidomide parents, is fair compensation for the damage caused to their children as a result of Government schemes?
§ Mr. MorrisI am aware of the very deep feelings of the parents. However, I shall be in great difficulty if I seek to pre-empt the Royal Commission on decisions of principle. I can give no stronger assurance of our concern than to say that the Department has submitted evidence to the Royal Commission. I hope that there will be no threat to the immunisation programme, which has saved many lives and deserves the support of the whole House.
§ Mr. Carter-JonesPending the Royal Commission's report, will my hon. Friend consider giving an interim payment to these children to allow them to receive training now? As happened to the thalidomide children, compensation often conies late in their lives. Does my hon. Friend agree that the necessary training and the income needed should be provided now, not later, on an interim basis, without causing embarrassment to the Royal Commission?
§ Mr. MorrisI know my hon. Friend appreciates that families with vaccine-damaged members are entitled to the full range of assistance open to severely disabled people. This includes attendance allowance, supplementary benefit and other forms of help. I know of my hon. Friend's concern, and I shall bear in mind the point he has made.
§ Mr. Norman FowlerWhen does the Minister expect the Royal Commission to report? Does he accept that in this case there is a special Government responsibility since it is the Government who have campaigned for the acceptance of vaccination?
§ Mr. MorrisI cannot say when the Royal Commission will report. I repeat that we have submitted evidence to it. It is profoundly important that all of us should emphasise as often as we can that the immunisation programme is vital to the nation's health.