Written question asked by Lord Morris of Manchester (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Darzi of Denham (Labour) on Tuesday, 16 June 2009.

Health: Contaminated Blood Products

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Statement by Lord Darzi of Denham on 20 May (WS 121–22), what assessment they have made of how much it would cost for the provision of life insurance cover for patients infected with HIV or hepatitis C or both by contaminated National Health Service blood products to be at least as good as the provision made in the Republic of Ireland, as recommended by the Independent Public Inquiry headed by Lord Archer of Sandwell.

Answer: Officials discussed the general issue of insurance for haemophiliacs with the Association of British Insurers. They advised that it is not possible to calculate the total cost of life insurance provision for patients infected with HIV or hepatitis C or both by contaminated National Health Service blood products as the premiums would vary for each individual and would be dependent on their particular circumstances. The position in Ireland is different. The Irish Government set up their hepatitis C compensation scheme, and insurance arrangements, following the finding of a judicial inquiry, the Finlay report, that "wrongful acts were committed". It is important to stress that the blood services in the United Kingdom (UK) have not been found to be similarly at fault. Payments are therefore being made in very different, specific circumstances in Ireland that do not apply in the UK.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 4132; 711 c198WA
Session: 2008-09
Related items: Health: Contaminated Blood Products
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Subjects: Costs Contamination Blood HIV/AIDS Haemophilia Hepatitis NHS Life insurance Blood transfusions
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk