{Thalidomide}[5th November 1972]

[Redbook1:265][19721105:1736]{Thalidomide}[5th November 1972]

Sunday 197211051736

            Distillers could by now have paid the victims handsome lump sums – perhaps £1,000,000 each*, inadequate but practical – over the intervening years, and no-one would have noticed but the shareholders.  Or have I missed something?

           

As it is they have acted against the interests of the children, themselves and private enterprise at large. 

            I think the time may have come to frighten Distillers.  Their shareholders have remained quiet too long for their own conscience.  We have shares in Distillers.  The General Meeting could become a powerful weapon to force them to realise their responsibilities.  Never mind whose moral fault it was -- Distillers caused the accident.

            If that doesn't work, a few sharp Government statements -- avoiding matter sub judice -- might help at the right time.  Like: ‘Failing adequate arrangements, I intend that the assets of Distillers be broken up and divided among the victims’.

            What about the shareholders sending all shares to a fund -- after all this is over -- to be divided among the victims? (-- already suggested).

*even £200,000 would be something -- £10,000 p.a. at 5% -- + legal costs (essential).

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