§ Mr. HeppellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what he has done to increase funding for(a) treatment and support services for haemophiliacs infected with hepatitis C through NHS treatment with contaminated blood products, (b) research into this problem, (c) recombinant products and (d) core funding for the Haemophilia Society to provide services and support on a continuing basis. [36131]
§ Mr. HoramThe Department does not allocate money to support specific treatments for particular patient groups. National health service funds are allocated to purchasers of health care who are in the best position to decide what services (including treatments) they wish to purchase to meet local needs.
An additional £1 million has been made available by the Department's research and development division to fund research into improving our understanding of hepatitis C.
The Haemophilia Society receives grants totalling £155,000 from the Government in the current year. This compares with £126,900 in 1995–96.