HC Deb 30 June 1999 vol 334 c212W
Mr. Win Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the cost of introducing a scheme to provide financial assistance for people who contracted hepatitis C through their haemophilia treatment; over how many years the scheme would last; and how many people would be eligible for such assistance. [89035]

Mr. Jon Owen Jones

In Wales, we believe there about 105 haemophiliacs who have been infected with hepatitis C through NHS treatment. We estimate that the cost for a special payment scheme for haemophiliacs would be in the region of £7m—£8m based on UK estimates.

Government policy remains that those infected with hepatitis C through NHS treatment should not receive special payments, as the same considerations would apply to patients infected with another illness or otherwise harmed as a result of medical or surgical procedure not resulting from negligence.

Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly for Wales.

Mr. Win Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many people with haemophilia were infected with hepatitis C through their NHS treatment before 1986; and how many are still alive. [89034]

Mr. Jon Owen Jones

The information requested is not available centrally.

Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

Mr. Win Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of financial assistance schemes for people who contracted hepatitis C through contaminated blood products in(a) Canada, (b) Ireland and (c) Italy; and if he will assess the benefits of introducing similar schemes in Wales. [89036]

Mr. Jon Owen Jones

It continues to be Government policy that compensation or other financial help to particular patients or groups of patients is paid only where the NHS or individuals working in it have been at fault. We are aware of compensation schemes in other countries, but these relate to the specific policy and operational circumstances in those countries and a direct comparison would not be appropriate

Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.