§ Mr. Bestasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what compensation presently exists for vaccine-damaged children; what proposals he has for the future; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PrenticeUnder the Vaccine Damage Payments Act 1979 provision exists for payment of £10,000 in respect of persons who are severely damaged by vaccination and who meet the requirements of the Act. Some 350 awards have been made and 1,100 claims await review by independent tribunals.
My right hon. Friend has no proposals for further legislation specifically about vaccine damage, but improved provision for the disabled generally, including the vaccine-damaged, will be one of the Government's priorities when resources become available.