Debates between John Glen and Samantha Dixon during the 2019-2024 Parliament

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Glen and Samantha Dixon
Thursday 18th January 2024

(11 months ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Samantha Dixon Portrait Samantha Dixon (City of Chester) (Lab)
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

12. What progress his Department has made on implementing the interim recommendations of the infected blood inquiry.

John Glen Portrait The Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General (John Glen)
- View Speech - Hansard - -

As I set out on 18 December, I am pleased with the progress that we have made in appointing an expert group to assist on technical detailed considerations of those recommendations. It was announced yesterday that the final report will be published on 20 May, and the Government are committed to updating Parliament on the next steps within 25 sitting days of publication.

Samantha Dixon Portrait Samantha Dixon
- View Speech - Hansard - - - Excerpts

The publication of the final report into the infected blood scandal has yet again been delayed, causing dismay for hundreds of people, including some of my Chester constituents, who are still waiting for justice. In this matter, time is precious. The Government committed to introducing primary legislation early in the new year to enable the establishment of the compensation scheme. Given that the House has shown its majority support, will the Minister confirm that the Government will now get on with it?

John Glen Portrait John Glen
- View Speech - Hansard - -

I take the will of the House very seriously. That vote was on 4 December as part of the Victims and Prisoners Bill, which will now be working through its next stage in the other place the week after next. I have been working with colleagues across Government to ensure that we are able to respond appropriately at that time.