Written question asked by Win Griffiths (Labour) on Thursday, 24 June 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 30 June 1999. It was answered by Jon Owen Jones (Labour) on Wednesday, 30 June 1999 on behalf of the Welsh Office.

Welsh Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what assessment he has made of financial assistance schemes for people who contracted hepatitis C through contaminated blood products in (a) Canada, (b) Ireland and (c) Italy; and if he will assess the benefits of introducing similar schemes in Wales.

Answer: Mr. Win Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of financial assistance schemes for people who contracted hepatitis C through contaminated blood products in (a) Canada, (b) Ireland and (c) Italy; and if he will assess the benefits of introducing similar schemes in Wales. [89036] Mr. Jon Owen Jones: It continues to be Government policy that compensation or other financial help to particular patients or groups of patients is paid only where the NHS or individuals working in it have been at fault. We are aware of compensation schemes in other countries, but these relate to the specific policy and operational circumstances in those countries and a direct comparison would not be appropriate. Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 334 c212W; 89036
Session: 1998-99
Subjects: Blood Canada Finance Infectious diseases Government assistance Hepatitis Republic of Ireland Wales Italy