COMPENSATION FOR PEOPLE AFFECTED BY THALIDOMIDE

That this House notes the continued difficulties faced by the 450 individuals who have been permanently damaged by the drug thalidomide; further notes that the health of many people affected by thalidomide continues to deteriorate and that many continue to require financial support to maintain their independence; recognises the social and moral responsibility borne by the manufacturers of the drug, Chemie Grunethal; and calls on the Secretary of State for Health to pursue the matter with Chemie Grunethal with a view to obtaining payment for British victims of thalidomide.