HL Deb 10 May 2001 vol 625 c237WA
Lord Morris of Manchester

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What representations the Prime Minister and other Ministers have received from the Haemophilia Society concerning people with haemophilia who were infected with hepatitis C by contaminated National Health Service blood products; what replies have been sent; and what action they are taking. [HL2118]

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath

The Prime Minister and other Ministers have received written and oral representations from the Haemophilia Society seeking a commitment to treat all haemophilia patients in England with recombinant clotting factors. Ministers are currently giving careful consideration to this request. The society has also requested a public inquiry into the infection of haemophiliacs with hepatitis C through contaminated blood products and financial assistance for those infected. Ministers have already announced their decision that financial assistance will not be made available and that there would be nothing to be gained from a public inquiry.