HC Deb 15 December 1999 vol 341 cc194-5W
Mr. Wigley

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will ensure the payment of compensation to those damaged by vaccines. [102167]

Mr. Bayley

The existing Vaccine Damage Payment scheme, which has been in place since 1979, provides a one-off payment to people severely disabled by vaccination against certain diseases. The scheme is not intended as compensation but is designed to ease the present and future burdens of those suffering from vaccine damage, and their families.