§ Mr. SymsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what representations he has received in respect of compensation for haemophiliacs who have been infected with hepatitis C through contaminated blood products; [24586]
(2) if he will make a statement on Government policy towards haemophiliacs infected with hepatitis C by contaminated blood products. [24669]
§ Mr. BoatengSince 2 May 1997 there have been five Parliamentary Questions, in addition to this one, and Ministers have received approximately 70 letters about the 613W issue of special payments for haemophiliacs infected with hepatitis C through National Health Service blood products. Ministers have also met representatives of the Haemophilia Society to discuss the issue.
This is a complex matter which needs full and careful consideration. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has promised to write to the Haemophilia Society about it, and he hopes to be in a position to do so shortly.