§ Lord Morris of Manchesterasked Her Majesty's Government: What representations they have had from and on behalf of the Haemophilia Society regarding the ex gratia payments scheme to be introduced for people infected with hepatitis C by contaminated National Health Service blood products; what replies they have sent; and what further action they are taking. [HL39]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Lord Warner)Officials from the Department of Health have met representatives of the Haemophilia Society on two occasions since the announcement of the ex gratia payment scheme and a dialogue has been maintained. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Public Health (Miss Melanie Johnson) also met representatives of the Haemophilia Society during a meeting with the chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Haemophilia on 29 October.
The renewal of the Haemophilia Society's parliamentary and media campaign to highlight its concerns about the scheme has inspired a number of parliamentary Questions, correspondence from Members of Parliament on behalf of constituents, and correspondence direct from members of the public and groups with an interest in this issue.
The points raised by the society will continue to be considered during our deliberations and an announcement on the scheme is expected shortly.