§ Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland why Peter Kelly of Dungannon had to wait 12 years to receive financial compensation for brain damage caused by cardiac arrest during an appendicitis operation; how much compensation was paid to him; why liability was not admitted; on how many previous occasions since 1979 sums larger than £100,000 have been paid by health and social services boards following similar settlements without admission of liability; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Chris PattenThe Southern health and social services board took no part in the settlement which was negotiated between the plaintiffs and the insurers of the doctors involved and I am unable to comment on the amount involved.
There have been no occasions since 1979 when sums in excess of £100,000 have been paid by health and social services boards following similar incidents without admissions of liability.