TAXATION OF BENEFICIARIES OF THE THALIDOMIDE TRUST

Early day motion 107, tabled 14 November 2002 by Jonathan Djanogly (Conservative). Signed by 125 members.

That this House recognises the excellent service provided to victims of the thalidomide drug by the Thalidomide Trust; recognises the unique and ongoing disabilities and requirements of the 455 registered United Kingdom survivors of thalidomide; further recognises the payments made by Government in 1975, 1979 and 1996 to the Trust to offset the tax upon distributions of the Trust, but notes the refusal of the current Government to provide like assistance in connection with further covenanted payments of ú32.5 million offered by Diageo plc in 2000; and calls on the Government to reverse its decision not to offset the taxation payable upon distributions from the Trust to the victims of thalidomide.

Signatures by party: Conservative 76, Labour 16, Liberal Democrat 13, DUP 5, Scottish National Party 4, UUP 4, Labour/Co-operative 2, Plaid Cymru 2, Independent 1, Independent Conservative 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.