HL Deb 31 March 1998 vol 588 cc30-1WA
Lord Morris of Manchester

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have received any representation from the Haemophilia Society concerning people with haemophilia infected with hepatitis C through their NHS treatment; and, if so, what reply they have given; and [HL1168]

What action they are considering to help people infected with hepatitis C as a result of NHS treatment, or, in the cases of those who have died as a result, their dependants. [HL1169]

The Minister of State, Department of Health (Baroness Jay of Paddington)

The Haemophilia Society has made representations concerning the establishment of a special payment scheme for those haemophiliacs infected with hepatitis C through National Health Service treatment and their dependants. My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Health also met representatives of the Society on 10 September last year to hear their accounts of the effects on the lives of those with haemophilia, and their families, of contracting hepatitis C. We have received similar written representations in respect of other patients who contracted hepatitis C through NHS treatment.

We have given a commitment to give full and careful consideration to this whole issue and that is what we are currently doing.