Thalidomide Trust (Grant)

Debate between Norman Lamb and Cathy Jamieson

Thursday 20th December 2012 Commons Chamber

[Norman Lamb]

Talking earlier to people from the Thalidomide Trust, they are deeply frustrated—as am I—by the failure of the manufacturer to face up to its responsibilities. I cannot provide a positive update that suggests that it is about to do what it should do, but I think we would all agree that it should acknowledge its culpability without delay.

[Cathy Jamieson (Kilmarnock and Loudoun) (Lab/Co-op)]

I thank the Minister for responding so positively—it was my Westminster Hall debate to which he responded on his first day in the job. I am glad that he has listened to the views of the thalidomiders. I also join in the tribute to the Thalidomide Trust, especially Mikey Argy and Liz Buckle, who first brought the information to me that persuaded me that a debate was needed.

The Minister mentioned the position in the devolved Administrations. Will he give the House an update on the discussions that he has had with the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing in Scotland? Has he had any indication of when a statement or announcement will be made by the Scottish Government so that thalidomide victims in Scotland can have the same peace of mind as those in England?

[Norman Lamb]

I pay tribute to the hon. Lady for her campaigning on this issue, along with several other hon. Members, which has played a part in ensuring that the needs of thalidomiders are properly acknowledged. I cannot tell her that there will be a statement at any particular time, but I confirm that we are in touch with the Scottish Government and there is a desire to help. I will write to her to provide as much of an update as I can.

Thalidomide Victims

Debate between Norman Lamb and Cathy Jamieson

Wednesday 5th September 2012 Westminster Hall

[Norman Lamb]

I am grateful for the right hon. Gentleman’s intervention. I absolutely understand the responsibilities of society and the Government on this issue, and I shall seek to take my responsibilities seriously.

I would like to pay tribute to the work of the Thalidomide Trust. It has considerable expertise and knowledge of the needs of those affected by thalidomide, and it does much to support the health challenges that people face and to address barriers to every day living. The trust’s contribution to supporting survivors and their families cannot be overstated.

I would also like to pay tribute to the national advisory council to the Thalidomide Trust. I met its members when I was in opposition and took up their concerns with the Government. They work tirelessly in the cause of thalidomiders, often despite their own impairments. We are all grateful for their work, which has done much to highlight to the House and the public ongoing and increasing health concerns. The hon. Lady referred to new issues that have arisen and we have to understand and respond to those. I look forward to seeing the final report of the NAC project, “Securing Our Future”, which the hon. Lady mentioned, and I would welcome the opportunity to meet the council to discuss that report. I should add that on the first day of my job, I am not in a position to provide all the answers, but I am happy to meet hon. Members who are concerned about this issue.

[Cathy Jamieson]

I should have welcomed the Minister to his new post. It was remiss of me not to do so, and I look forward to taking him up on that invitation.

[Norman Lamb]

That’s a deal. We will arrange that.

The current three-year grant was introduced by the previous Administration, but I welcome the opportunity to reiterate the Government’s support for the pilot, which explores innovative ways of enabling people to invest funding to prevent further deterioration in their health and to preserve their independence, which is critical. The funding helps individual thalidomiders to take control in meeting their complex and highly specialised needs, for they are the real experts. The value of such a grant is that it puts the power in the hands of individuals, so that they can make decisions about their priorities, rather than the Government seeking to determine that for them.

The Thalidomide Trust recently provided us with its evaluation report for year two of the three-year pilot scheme, and officials have read with interest how the money has been invested. It was evident from the interviews that were conducted as part of the evaluation that many people have a growing desire to self-manage their health in order to cope with existing health problems, limit further deterioration and/or prevent future problems. For some, the focus was on maintaining fitness or controlling their weight through gym membership, personal trainers, or swimming—the list is endless, but the fact that individuals are making those decisions is of considerable importance.

I am aware that the grant is due to end in March next year and that its recipients are naturally anxious about future funding. I have heard the concerns expressed today by many hon. Members, and I am grateful that so many have shown an interest, and attended and contributed to the debate. I have also heard the very strong case that thalidomiders have made for the health grant to continue.

[Cathy Jamieson]

I know that the Minister is summing up, but does he take on board the important point about planning ahead? If a decision comes too late in the day, before the end of the grant, it will make it difficult for people to consider how they can organise their lives in the year ahead. Will he at least commit to ensuring, as soon as possible, that a decision is made and an indication given about the way forward?

[Norman Lamb]

I am keen to make this a priority to try and reach a decision as quickly as we can. There are two issues: it is not only about providing certainty as soon as possible, but about how long the period of the grant would be. I recognise the argument in support of a longer period, in order to provide people with more certainty for the future. I need to look at all those matters, hear from the trust and officials, and read the reports that have come in before making my decision, but I want to make it quickly.