§ 24. Mr. ConnartyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made in making payments available through the ex-gratia payments scheme for patients infected with hepatitis C. [169847]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonWork is proceeding to finalise the arrangements necessary to begin making payments. The Skipton Fund was incorporated on 25 March. Officials are continuing to consult with patient groups and medical experts on the implementation of the scheme. The four UK health departments expect the Skipton Fund to be operational shortly.