§ Mr. Quentin DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the sums due to victims of vaccine damage he will pay to the families concerned; and if he will make a statement. [135996]
§ Mr. BayleyIn his statement on vaccine damage of 27 June 2000,Official Report, columns 719–27, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State said that top-up payments would be made in all cases where a vaccine damage award had been made prior to that date. About 900 awards had been made between 1978 and the date of 100W the statement. So far 129 top-up payments have been paid amounting to £8,696,500. Another 122 cases are nearing completion. In general cases are being paid in date order, that is to say, those customers who received their original payment the longest time ago will be paid first. The Vaccine Damage Payment Unit has recruited additional staff and arrangements are in place to progress the remaining payments as soon as possible while ensuring the interests of the intended beneficiary are protected.