§ Mr. WigleyTo 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. BoatengAround 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.