§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what consideration he has given to establish a full compensation scheme for vaccine-damaged children; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungMy right hon. Friend has no proposals for further special provision for vaccine-damaged children, but improved provision for the disabled generally, including the vaccine-damaged, will be one of the Government's priorities when resources become available.
Vaccine Damage Payments Act 1980—Position at 28 November 1980 Awards 1 Claims: Received 2,671 Withdrawn 7 Effective claims 2,664 2 Claims initially determined: (a) Awards made 335 335 (b) Claims disallowed because the Secretary of State is not satisfied that: (i) The statutory conditions under section 2 of ihe Act are fulfilled 79 (ii) The disabled person was severely damaged as a result of vaccination 2,240 3 Claims not yel determined 10 2,664 4 Awards made after original disallowance 2 5 Requests for review by tribunal 1,276 6 Reviews determined Of which 917 Awards made 244 244 Disallowances upheld 673 917 7 Reviews not yet decided 359 WS 1,276 8 Total awards 581 The 359 oases awaiting review by tribunal are mainly cases when; determination is deferred at the claimant's request.