Infected Blood Compensation Scheme 2025-03-06
2025-03-06
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
Andrew Cooper was contacted by a constituent who lost her husband to infected blood and is concerned about the urgency of compensating affected families. The Minister previously committed to producing an easy-read version of the regulations.
There is an understandable lack of trust between victims and the authorities after such a long wait for justice, and my constituent is concerned about the urgency in compensating affected families. When he spoke in the House last month, the Minister committed to producing an easy-read version of the regulations. Can he say when that is likely to be published and will he commit to full transparency on the progress of settling claims?
I will publish a simplified version of the document explaining the infected blood compensation scheme by the end of the month. Transparency is vital. IBCA, although an independent body, is committed to being open with the community and publishes monthly figures showing progress on compensation claims.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
John Glen visited the Infected Blood Compensation Authority on January 30 and was impressed by their professionalism. However, there is concern about recipients of payments signing non-disclosure agreements.
One issue that has come up is the need for recipients of payments to sign non-disclosure agreements or terms. I am anxious that misunderstandings do not arise as a consequence of that. Can the Minister use his good offices to implore IBCA to explain why that happens? If IBCA cannot do that, perhaps he can explain to the House why such agreements might be necessary.
I am very grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for his work as Paymaster General. Indeed, I was pleased to facilitate his recent visit to IBCA and am grateful to him for the constructive approach that he continues to take. On the specific issue that he raises around the contracts that IBCA has entered into, I can say that I entirely agree with him about the need for transparency, and that is something that I am re-emphasising to IBCA.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide a direct answer regarding why recipients of payments need to sign non-disclosure agreements or terms. He agreed with the need for transparency but did not address specific reasons for these agreements.
Response accuracy