§ Mr. BurdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what compensation is available for those who are severely or partially damaged by(a) polio vaccination and (b) measles and rubella vaccination; [21324]
(2) whether the Government will seek to amend the Vaccine Damage Payment Act 1979 to provide adequate compensation for the children and families affected by all degrees of vaccine damage. [21321]
§ Mr. HagueThe Vaccine Damage Payment Act 1979 provides for a single, tax-free payment of £30,000 for people who, on the balance of probability, have suffered severe mental and/or physical disablement of 80 per cent. or more as a result of vaccination against one, or a group, of the specified diseases. The specified diseases include poliomyelitis, measles and rubella.
The payment is not compensation, but is designed to ease the present and future burdens of those suffering from vaccine damage and their families.
The Government are satisfied that the scheme operates fairly and effectively in its present form.