§ 45. Mr. David Priceasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many cases of vaccine damage to children are known to her Department since reporting first began in 1964; how many of these are suffering permanent damage, and what steps she is taking to secure the future for those children who are permanently damaged.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisInformation supplied by medical practitioners about illness following vaccination is held in a form suitable for detailed analysis of the effects of particular vaccines rather than for the compilation of aggregate data. Such data derived from this information, which relates only to cases reported, would be misleading. The information we have does, however, indicate that in the great majority of cases the illness was transient and often minor and100W no permanent damage would have ensued. The full range of services and benefits available under the National Health Service and the social security system are available to the families of those concerned. Parents can also apply for help to the Family Fund administered by the Rowntree Memorial Trust, to which a further grant of £2 million was recently made.
§ Mr. David Priceasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what legal liability the Department of Health and Social Security accepts to compensate children who are permanently damaged as a result of vaccinations publicly recommended and promoted by the Department of Health and Social Security and its predecessors; and whether she will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisUnder the law as it stands compensation arises only where negligence has been established. Very few of the millions of vaccinations carried out annually result in permanent damage to children, and in none of these cases has negligence been established. As I have explained to the House on previous occasions, the Government have the greatest sympathy with these children and their families, and the full range of health and personal services which are the responsibility of the Department is available to them. The Royal Commission on Compensation and Civil Liability is currently considering this matter.