ROGER WILLIAMS CALLS FOR INCREASED THALIDOMIDE COMPENSATION

12.12.42pm GMT Fri 6th Nov 2009

Roger Williams, MP for Brecon and Radnorshire, yesterday (Wednesday 4th November) used a Westminster Hall debate to call on Mike O'Brien MP, Minister of State at the Department of Health, to provide increased funding for the victims of Thalidomide

Commenting after the debate, Mr Williams said:

"Had this terrible situation occurred today the level of compensation provided to the victims would have been significantly more than the £20 million offered by Distillers and Diageo.

"The parents of victims were effectively forced into accepting the offer made by the producers of thalidomide and, on reflection, the Government should recognise that this compensation was totally inadequate and should be increased.

"The expectations we, as a society, have for the lifestyle that those with disabilities should lead and the cost of achieving that is considerably higher than the compensation offered to thalidomide victims.

"As the victims of thalidomide now enter middle age their needs have changed, with many needing additional equipment to assist them in their day to day lives.

"I used the debate to call on the Minister to ensure that sufficient funding is provided to thalidomide victims and I hope that he will consider that request and do everything within his power to make sure their needs are met."

NOTES:

The full text of the debate can be found here: http://www.theyworkforyou.com/whall/?id=2009-11-04a.241.0&s=speaker%3A11324#g247.0