§ Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the status of those persons now disabled who may have received their disability through thalidomide or related drugs, but who are not yet recognised as such by the Distillers Company.
§ Mr. EnnalsThe question of compensation for people whose disabilities may have been caused by thalidomide is not one in which my Department has any formal standing. My hon. Friend the Minister with special responsibility for the Disabled has, however, discussed the situation with the Chairman of Distillers Co. Ltd, and is ready to give any help that is appropriate and practicable.
Disabled people, whatever the cause of their disability, are eligible for a wide range of health and personal social services and cash benefits.
Specialty Beds provided in 1977 Beds indicated by population (DHSS norms) Planned bed provision for 1982 Acute … … … … … 240 350 340 Obstetrics … … … … … 94 70 75 Special care babies … … … 22 23 20 Geriatrics … … … … … 220 290 236 Aged mentally infirm … … … — 100 — Mental illness … … … … 30 90 120 Mental handicap … … … … 48 119 60 GP pre-convalescent etc. … … … 146 — 68 830 1,042 919 Of the current bed provision up to eight beds may currently be made available for the use of private patients.
The proposals set out in the Norfolk Area Health Authority's consultative document are not my proposals but are those of the King's Lynn District Management Team, as adopted by the Area Health Authority for consultation under the formal consultation procedures set out in Circular HSC(IS)207. I understand that of the 146 beds categorised in the document as "General Practitioner,