§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will consider giving compensation to those patients who suffer permanent injuries after radiotherapy for the treatment of breast cancer; and if he will make a statement. [33817]
§ Mr. SackvilleCompensation by the national health service is appropriate only where there is evidence of medical negligence.
§ Mr. CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make, a statement concerning the apparent concentration in particular areas and in particular years of injuries following radiotherapy for breast cancer. [33818]
§ Mr. SackvilleThe Department of Health is funding the Royal College of Radiologists to carry out a clinical review in nine radiotherapy centres of women thought to be damaged by radiotherapy for breast cancer. This should yield useful information about common factors in treatment which might have led to the adverse effects. The need for further studies can then be assessed.