HC Deb 19 November 1998 vol 319 cc878-9W
Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Gedling (Mr. Coaker) of 28 July 1998,Official Report, column 179, (1) if he will estimate the cost of providing a hardship fund for people with haemophilia infected with the hepatitis C virus through contaminated blood products similar to the scheme operating for those with HIV infection; [59883]

(2) how many haemophilia patients were infected with hepatitis C virus through their NHS treatment prior to 1985; how many are currently awaiting liver transplants as a result of the disease; how many are currently undergoing NHS treatment; and how many have died as a result of liver diseases; [59848]

(3) what is the current medical (a) evidence and (b) advice on the transmission of Hepatitis C virus (i) between partners and (ii) between parents and children. [59843]

Mr. Hutton

I refer the hon. Member to the replies I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Bolsover (Mr. Skinner) on 18 November 1998,Official Report, columns 679-99.

Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Gedling (Mr. Coaker) of 28 July 1998,Official Report, column 179, what representations he has received from the Haemophilia Society concerning abuse and discrimination against hepatitis C infected people. [59884]

Mr. Hutton

The Chairman of the Haemophilia Society wrote on 31 July to say that he was aware of difficulties in some cases and of concern among those infected. Some individuals have expressed similar concerns in correspondence. For young people in particular we are funding the Society's youth information and support project aimed at helping them improve their education and employment prospects.

Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Gedling (Mr. Coaker) of 28 July 1998,Official Report, column 179, what steps he has taken to monitor the take-up of benefits by people infected with the hepatitis C virus through contaminated blood products; and what assessment he has made of the additional costs of care for such people and the loss of income from reduced availability for work. [59882]

Mr. Hutton

There is no specific monitoring of benefit claims from people infected with hepatitis C through blood products. Their entitlement to assistance under the benefits system is assessed in the same way as for other people. Entitlement to Disability Living Allowance, for example, does not depend on whether a claimant is working, or on specific disabling conditions, but on the effects of a person's disability on their care andlor mobility needs.

Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Health which EU countries provide financial help for haemophiliacs infected with hepatitis C virus through treatment products. [59846]

Mr. Hutton

I will write to the hon. Member.

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