HC Deb 12 November 1990 vol 180 c55W
Ms. Harman

To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he will estimate the costs of a full trial of people who are claiming damages for contracting HIV through national health service infected blood or blood products.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

It is not possible to estimate the costs of such a trial at this stage.

Ms. Harman

To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether his Department is negotiating with the solicitors of people who have taken court action claiming damages for contracting HIV through national health service infected blood or blood products.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

We have not been engaged in such negotiations.

Ms. Harman

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what are the costs, including legal fees and departmental resources, to the Government so far in the legal case of people who are taking action claiming damages for contracting HIV through national health service infected blood or blood products.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

I refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. and learned Friend the then Secretary of State gave the right hon. Member for Manchester, Wythenshawe (Mr. Morris) on 15 October at column664.