§ Dr. BrandTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many representations he has received on the subject of children damaged by vaccines; [58752]
(2) if the proposals under consideration for changes to the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme include (a) paying compensation to those damaged by vaccines, (b) removing the six year deadline for applications and (c) introducing a sliding scale of compensation payments. [58753]
§ Mr. TimmsThere have been numerous representations received about the Vaccine Damage Scheme. A presentation was made to the Disability Benefits Forum by the Vaccine Victims Support Group on 23 September 1998. I met with Members of the All Party Group on Vaccine Damage on 5 November 1998. Consideration is still being given to this complex and sensitive issue. There are a number of options currently being discussed and an announcement will be made in due course.