HC Deb 24 July 1998 vol 316 c743W
Mr. Wigley

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many of the United Kingdom haemophilia population receiving NHS treatment before 1986 were infected with HIV; and what plans his Department has to make financial assistance available to those who were infected with hepatitis C. [51621]

Mr. Boateng

Around 1,200 members of the United Kingdom haemophilia population were infected with HIV as a result of National Health Service treatment before 1986.

We have received a number of representations on the issue of special payments for haemophiliacs infected with hepatitis C through NHS treatment. The issues involved are complex and we are exploring them fully before reaching a decision.