HC Deb 27 June 1991 vol 193 cc555-6W
Mr. Ashley

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how blood given by donors is screened to ensure that it is free of the HIV virus; whether the screening process guarantees that all blood used for transfusions is free of the virus; and when the current screening process started being used.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

Since September 1983 potential donors who have engaged in high-risk activities have been asked not to give blood. From October 1985, all blood donations have been tested for the presence of the HIV antibody using evaluated methods. Any positive samples undergo confirmatory tests at a reference laboratory. As a further safeguard, blood products such as factor VIII are heat-treated to inactivate any trace of the virus that may be present. Also, doctors are advised by the profession not to give blood to patients unnecessarily.

All reasonable steps are taken to exclude HIV infection from the blood supply in this country.

Mr. Ashley

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what evidence he has supplied, in response to representations from non-haemophiliacs infected with HIV virus from NHS blood transfusions, in respect of the effects of pre-existing haemophilia on the employment, mortgage and insurance prospects of HIV-infected haemophiliacs.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

We have not considered it necessary to supply evidence in response to representations.

Mr. Ashley

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many of the haemophiliacs infected with the HIV virus who have received payments from his Department were related.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

Among the haemophiliacs infected with HIV, we understand that there are 65 pairs and six trios of brothers who are infected. We believe there may be a significant number of other cases where HIV-infected haemophiliacs are related, for example, grandfathers, grandsons, uncles and nephews, but these cannot be readily identified from the available information. In addition, there are a number of cases where the haemophiliac's spouse or partner has become infected.

Mr. Ashley

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will take steps to ensure that people who have been infected with the HIV virus from an NHS blood transfusion and are taking legal action are provided with the information they require about the blood they were given and the donor who provided it.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

Disclosure of information and discovery of documents in litigation are governed by court procedures, which include scope for claiming public interest immunity in appropriate cases.