HC Deb 08 March 1968 vol 760 cc194-6W
Mr. Temple

asked the Minister of Health (1) whether he will consider holding an inquiry into the causes and effects of the use of the thalidomide drug;

(2) in view of the fact that a small proportion of the children affected by the thalidomide drug are to receive compensation, if he will consider in the case of other children similarly affected taking steps to ensure that they may be granted payment from public or other funds in lieu of compensation.

Mr. K. Robinson

Greatly as I sympathise with the families affected I do not think that an inquiry could add significantly to the knowledge we already have. The Distillers Company are reported as having indicated that they will consider ways of providing a substantial sum for the direct assistance of malformed children who do not benefit from the settlement of certain claims which was recently approved by the High Court.