§ Q81. Mr. AshleyTo ask the Prime Minister when she intends to reply to the letter she received from an all-party group of hon. Members requesting an immediate out-of-court compensation payment for AIDS-infected haemophiliacs.
§ Q113. Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Prime Minister what representations she has received about the plight of people with haemophilia who, in the course of National Health Service treatment, have been infected with the AIDS virus; and what reply she has sent.
§ The Prime MinisterMy right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Health announced on 23 November that we have offered an additional £19 million to the Macfarlane Trust to provide ex gratia payments to haemophiliacs who contracted the AIDS virus in the course of treatment. I refer the right hon. Members to the reply my right hon. and learned Friend gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Salisbury (Mr. Key) on 23 November at columns11–12. Over 300 representations in support of people with haemophilia and HIV infection have been received. Replies will be sent shortly. As court proceedings have now begun, it would be inappropriate to comment on the question of an out-of-court settlement.