§ Mrs. BeckettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the number of women whose treatment by radiotherapy after breast cancer has led to major permanent injuries; what plans he has to pay compensation in these cases; and what compensation has been paid in each of the last five years. [37224]
§ Mr. SackvilleNo estimate has been made but the Department of Health is working with Rage Breast, a patient support group representing women who have had radiotherapy for breast cancer which has led to major permanent injuries. There are no plans to pay compensation in these cases, nor has any compensation been paid in the last five years. We sympathise fully with those suffering as a result of any medical side effect; however, we consider that compensation by the national health service is appropriate only when there is evidence of medical negligence. The Government's position remains that the basis for seeking compensation should be by proof of negligence through the courts.