Oral Answers to Questions

Patrick Hurley Excerpts

Thursday 24th October 2024 Commons Chamber

[Adam Thompson (Erewash) (Lab)]

13. What recent progress he has made on establishing the infected blood compensation scheme.

[Patrick Hurley (Southport) (Lab)]

17. What recent progress he has made on establishing the infected blood compensation scheme.

--- Later in debate ---

[Nick Thomas-Symonds]

I invite all right hon. and hon. Members to go on the gov.uk website, which gives the details for the Infected Blood Compensation Authority. I urge people with an interest to register with the authority, which is already sending out newsletters. However, right hon. and hon. Members are also very welcome to write to me at the Cabinet Office about specific cases. I will of course look into those cases and ensure there is a response.

[Patrick Hurley]

I welcome the urgency with which this Government have moved this important issue forward, especially now that we know there is a timescale for applications being opened. Will the Minister update the House on when victims can expect to receive their final compensation payments?

[Nick Thomas-Symonds]

As I have indicated to the House, I expect the Infected Blood Compensation Authority to make its first payments before the end of the year, and to start payments to the affected next year. The Government are moving as quickly as they can to ensure that people receive the compensation that, frankly, is long overdue.