FUNDING FOR THE THALIDOMIDE VICTIMS PILOT SCHEME

That this House recalls that when the drug Thalidomide was marketed in the UK, a Government agency, the Cohen Committee, actively promoted its use which subsequently led to it becoming exempt from purchase tax and being prescribed to patients on the NHS, actions which eventually resulted in a major parliamentary campaign being undertaken that ultimately led to a Government financial settlement of 26.4 million being paid to fund a pilot scheme to examine the multitude of ongoing health problems the victims of Thalidomide face in their daily lives; believes that now this pilot's funding is drawing to a close, the welter of evidence points to the need for its work to continue; and therefore urges the Government to act speedily to ensure the excellent work carried out so far is continued.