§ 51. Dame Irene Wardasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he can report on the financial position of thalidomide children; and whether the families concerned are being adequately provided for from all sources to meet the needs of the children now and in the future.
§ Sir K. JosephSo far as financial help is concerned, my responsibilities to these children and their families are met by the social security scheme, the benefits of which are available to them to the same extent as to others who are disabled.
§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is satisfied that his Department is taking every possible step to ensure that thalidomide children receive full and adequate assistance; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir K. JosephAs far as I am aware, these children are receiving all the help from my Department for which their parents have applied, and to which their situation entitles them, whether by way of provision in cash or kind, but I will gladly look at any individual case which my hon. Friend may have in mind. These children are now, of course, of school age, and questions concerning their education are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science.