§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made with regard to compensating persons infected with hepatitis C as a result of NHS treatment; and if he will make a statement. [70051]
§ Mr. HuttonI refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Bolsover (Mr. Skinner) on 17 November 1998,Official Report, columns 697–98.
§ Audrey WiseTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people with haemophilia are suffering from hepatitis C through receiving infected blood products through the NHS prior to 1986; and if their condition is being monitored. [70167]
§ Mr. HuttonWe estimate that 4,000 people with haemophilia were infected with hepatitis C through their National Health Service treatment with blood products before the introduction of viral inactivation processes in 1985. All patients infected in this way are referred to a specialist for further assessment, observation and treatment as appropriate.