§ Mr. HeppellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will offer ex gratia payments to people with haemophilia who have been infected with hepatitis C through NHS treatment with contaminated blood products; [36179]
(2) what plans he has for providing long-term financial help to people with haemophilia who were infected with HIV through NHS treatment using contaminated blood products. [36180]
§ Mr. HoramThe Government's view remains that, while they have great sympathy for those infected with Hepatitis C in this way, as no fault or negligence on the part of the national health service has been proved, we have no plans at present to make special payments. We are always ready to listen to further evidence, but the best way that the Government can help at present is to encourage research and the best treatment for those infected, as well as supporting voluntary groups with them. This we are doing.
§ Mr. HeppellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what money is spent annually on(a) treatment and support services for haemophiliacs infected with hepatitis C through NHS treatment with contaminated blood products, (b) research into this problem and (c) recombinant products at (i) national and (ii) regional level. [36130]