Oral Answers to Questions

Simon Kirby Excerpts

Tuesday 7th December 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mr Burns]

I fully appreciate the hon. Gentleman’s concern, because particularly at this time of the year and throughout the winter months there is both an extra duty on the NHS and an increased problem. I can assure him that for over a month now, as is the custom, the NHS has been meeting regularly to plan for the winter and ensure that we have the services in place to help those who suffer falls or illnesses due to the inclement weather.

[Simon Kirby (Brighton, Kemptown) (Con)]

5. On what date he expects to make an announcement on compensation for those infected by contaminated blood products supplied by the NHS.

[The Minister of State, Department of Health (Paul Burstow)]

In October we announced a review of a number of aspects of Lord Archer’s recommendations, including the level of ex gratia payments and the mechanism by which they are made, access to insurance, prescriptions charges and access to nursing and other care services. The Under-Secretary of State for Health, my hon. Friend the Member for Guildford (Anne Milton), expects to report the outcomes of the review by the end of the year.

[Simon Kirby]

I thank the Minister for his answer. Does he believe that, after all the years of inaction, that will draw a line under the matter?

[Paul Burstow]

The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right to indicate that the matter has not been dealt with thoroughly for many years, and that is why the Government have launched the review. Obviously I cannot pre-empt its outcomes, but we will bring it to the House as soon as we can.