HC Deb 15 November 1989 vol 160 cc270-1W
Mr. Alton

To ask the Prime Minister whether she will consider waiving legal aid requirements to enable all HIV-positive haemophiliacs to instigate immediately court cases against regional health authorities; and whether she will consider granting a further ex-gratia payment prior to the courts receiving a settlement in these cases.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

I have been asked to reply.

No. The Lord Chancellor's Department has responsibility for such matters. It advises that legal aid will continue to be available subject to the usual criteria.

In respect of a further ex-gratia payment, I refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Coventry, South West (Mr. Butcher) on 6 November at columns 450–51.