§ Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Health which contingent liabilities for which his Department has responsibility have matured in each of the last five financial years; and if he will make a statement. [105178]
§ Mr. HuttonThe following sums have been paid against contingent liabilities in the five years to 31 March 2002.
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Contingent liability Year in which paid Amount paid An indemnity to water undertakings in respect of costs, damages and expenses not otherwise covered by insurance claims arising from claims and/or proceedings on the grounds of alleged harm to health arising solely from fluoridation 1997–98 £4,000 The Government originally paid £42 million to a trust from which payments are made to haemophiliacs infected with HIV virus, following treatment by the NHS with infected blood products. The Department has agreed to pay to the trust any sums required to make payments if the funds already provided prove insufficient. 1997–98 £3,000
Contingent liability Year in which paid Amount paid 1999–2000 £1.99 million 2000–01 £2.52 million The Department was found negligent in failing to stop treating patients with Human Growth Hormone by 1 July 1977–at a time when possible consequences should have been apparent. Compensation will need to be paid to patients treated after this date who subsequently die from CJD. 1998–99 £1.678 million 1999–2000 £3.278 million 2000–01 £68,000