§ 26. Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will set up an inquiry into the possibility of introducing a no-faults compensation scheme to replace actions for medical negligence.
§ Mr. WhitneyThe question of no-fault compensation for victims of medical accidents was examined by the Royal Commission on civil liability and personal injury which reported in 1978. The commission considered there would be serious difficulties in administering such a492W scheme, for example in distinguishing medical accidents from the natural progression of a disease or injury or from a foreseeable side effect of treatment. They concluded that such a scheme should not be introduced in this country. The Government do not consider that circumstances have changed since the commission reported to the extent necessary to justify a further inquiry.