§ Sir Michael McNair-WilsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many potential cases of HIV-2 virus have so far been tested as part of the screening process.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThe communicable disease surveillance centre is aware of nine HIV-2 positive reports in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his reply of 18 January,Official Report, column 405, to the right hon. Member for Manchester, Wythenshawe, what information his Department has on the employment prospects, insurance and mortgage status of people who acquired AIDS from blood transfusions under the National Health Service; and whether the ex gratia payment of £20,000 to people with haemophilia who contracted the virus will be paid in each case of infection if more than one member of a family is infected.
§ Mrs. Virginia Bottomley[holding answer 31 January 1990]: The Government's decision to make ex gratia grants to people with haemophilia who are also infected with the AIDS virus was a recognition of their unique position. I refer the right hon. Member to the reply my 351W right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Salisbury (Mr. Key) on 23 November 1989 at columns 11–12. A £20,000 lump sum payment will be made to each haemophiliac infected with HIV. In co-operation with the trustees of the MacFarlane Trust a new discretionary trust has been set up and is now making payments.