§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what criteria are used by the vaccine damage payments unit to decide on the merits of claims and order of magnitude of payments arising from claims; and on what basis as to liability claims are made. [40273]
§ Mr. BurtVaccine damage payments are made by the Secretary of State under the Vaccine Damage Payments Act 1979 and associated regulations. The Act and regulations set out the conditions of entitlement, including medical and disability conditions, which must be satisfied before payment is made. Where a claim is successful a single tax-free payment of £30,000 is made. The payment is made without acceptance of liability and does not affect the claimant's right to seek compensation through the courts.