Infected Blood Inquiry 2023-11-23
2023-11-23
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The infected blood scandal has left many families in need of recognition and compensation for their suffering.
What progress his Department has made on implementing the interim recommendations of the infected blood inquiry. The Government have accepted the moral case for compensation but it is only reasonable that the response is fully informed by Sir Brian Langstaff's final report, which is anticipated in March next year.
I strongly commend the right hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull North (Dame Diana Johnson) for her work for those who have been impacted by the infected blood scandal, and I look forward to working across the House on this important issue. The Government have accepted the moral case for compensation but it is only reasonable that the response is fully informed by Sir Brian Langstaff's final report, which is anticipated in March next year.
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Assessment & feedback
Progress made before the final report's release
Under Review
Anticipated In March Next Year
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Recommendation 12 from the final report on compensation calls for interim payments of £100,000 to be made to recognise deaths and alleviate immediate suffering.
Eight months ago, recommendation 12 of the final report on compensation called for interim payments of £100,000 to be paid. Can he tell the House when those interim payments will start to be paid?
I cannot tell the right hon. Lady that today, but in the seven days that I have been in this post I have recognised this to be my highest priority in the role. There are a number of complex issues that I need to come to terms with, but I am familiar with the whole issue from my previous role as Chief Secretary to the Treasury. This might be a matter of gamekeeper turned poacher, but I understand the mindset of the Treasury and how we can get a solution that deals with the range of recommendations.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline for interim payments
Cannot Say Anything More Of Substance Today
Complex Issues To Come To Terms With
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
A constituent's father died following infected factor VIII treatment, leaving the family unable to properly grieve due to stigma around HIV/AIDS.
My constituent contacted me after a statement in which the former Paymaster General said that the Government accepted that there is a moral case for compensation for those affected by the scandal. When will interim compensation payments be made to the estates of those who have died and to those affected whose parents have died?
The best answer I can give the hon. Lady is that it will be “as quickly as reasonable thoroughness permits”, as the inquiry chair said in his response. I am totally aware and sincere in my appreciation of the frustration that exists on this issue. As I say, seven days in, I am doing everything I can to move things forward and to gain assurances from across Whitehall so that I can update the House as quickly as possible.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline for interim payments
As Quickly As Reasonable Thoroughness Permits
Doing Everything I Can
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
A victim of the infected blood scandal dies every four days, with no reason to delay setting up a compensation scheme.
Can the Minister tell us when he hopes to report on preparations for compensation and appoint a chair for an appropriate body to run the scheme?
What I can say to the hon. Lady is that I am familiar with the range of activities that need to take place. I am getting into the detail of every single one of them, but I have to gain collective agreement before I can announce anything to this House. This House will be the first place I make any announcements, when I have secured that.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline for reports and appointments
Have To Gain Collective Agreement
First Place I Make Any Announcements
Response accuracy