Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Infected Blood Inquiry: Recommendations

Thursday 29 February 2024 · 8 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government appointed an expert group to advise on detailed technical considerations regarding the recommendations of the second interim report of the infected blood inquiry.
  • The report is due on Monday 20 May, and the Government have committed to respond within 25 sitting days but will do everything possible to bring forward a substantive response.
  • Legislation for a compensation scheme will be brought forward urgently after Report stage in the other place on Monday, aiming to enable the creation of an arm's length body with necessary legal authority.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Grahame Morris Lab Easington
NHS
Context

The infected blood scandal has led to numerous recommendations for compensation and policy changes. The government is under pressure to address these.

Question

What progress he has made on considering the recommendations of the second interim report of the infected blood inquiry. After noting the urgency, what specific steps are being taken?

Answer from John Glen

The Government recognise the issue's urgency and have appointed an expert group to advise on detailed technical considerations. An amendment to the Victims and Prisoners Bill will be brought forward on Report, aiming to speed up implementation of the response.

Answered
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Q2 Lloyd Russell-Moyle Lab
NHS
Context

Mark Ward, a haemophiliac and victim of contaminated blood, is demanding compensation. The Government's response has been delayed.

Question

My constituent Mark Ward contracted HIV from contaminated blood at age 14 and now faces life-threatening conditions at age 54. Given his long wait for justice and the recent defeat in the other place that forced the government to act, how soon will compensation be paid? What specific date can I give Mr Ward?

Answer from John Glen

The report is due on Monday 20 May. The Government have committed to respond within 25 sitting days but will do everything possible to bring forward a substantive response.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a specific date for compensation

How: There Are Issues Around Eligibility, Severity Of Disease And Its Progression

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Q3 Alex Davies-Jones Lab Pontypridd
NHS
Context

Gerald Stone, a victim of contaminated blood, faces multiple challenges due to the delay in justice and eligibility issues. The 30,000 figure is disputed.

Question

My constituent Gerald Stone, an 80-year-old victim with ongoing health issues, has faced discrimination due to his condition. With regard to the disputed 30,000 claimants figure, can you provide clarity on this number?

Answer from John Glen

I am trying to ensure a comprehensive response as soon as possible. Professor Sir Jonathan Montgomery's team will advise on implementation issues including eligibility criteria, but I cannot provide a specific number from the Dispatch Box.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not give a specific number of claimants

How: Issues Around Eligibility

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Q4 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Justice & Courts NHS
Context

ITV is producing a drama about the contaminated blood scandal, following similar successful shows. Victims have waited decades for justice.

Question

Why has it taken so long to get to this point regarding the contaminated blood scandal? Will a TV drama finally prompt action from the Government?

Answer from John Glen

I am concerned about ensuring we build on the decision of 4 December concerning the Victims and Prisoners Bill. The bill is progressing, but I remain determined to ensure a comprehensive Government response.

Not addressed: Did not specify what action will be taken in response to recommendations

How: The Bill Is Working Its Way Through The Other Place

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Q5 Diana R. Johnson Lab Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
NHS
Context

Victims of contaminated blood have faced decades of cover-up and criminal activity, leading to lack of transparency in recent compensation efforts.

Question

Despite the Minister's good intentions, this is a significant treatment scandal. After six years of inquiry recommendations, why has he not met any infected or affected individuals? Why are campaigners excluded from expert group discussions?

Answer from John Glen

I have engaged with the right hon. Lady multiple times, discussing Professor Sir Jonathan Montgomery's appointment. On Report stage in April, I plan to engage extensively with various groups across the UK.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address lack of transparency fully

How: Engagement Plans Are Set For Report Stage

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Q6 Grahame Morris Lab Easington
NHS
Context

Since the recommendations of the infected blood inquiry were announced, another 82 victims have died. The question addresses concerns about the appointment of Sir Jonathan Montgomery to advise on compensation talks.

Question

Another 82 victims of the infected blood scandal have died since the recommendations were announced. I note what the Minister said about appointing Sir Jonathan Montgomery as chair of experts offering technical advice, but a constituent victim is angry about this appointment. He has asked me: What confidence can victims have in the compensation process when an individual linked to pharmaceutical firm Bayer and who chairs Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust—epicenter of the scandal—is advising the Cabinet Office?

Answer from John Glen

The appointment of Sir Jonathan Montgomery was compliant with processes similar to those for other appointments. His involvement with Bayer ceased at the end of October last year, and he is advising on implementation rather than making executive decisions. The noble Baroness Brinton described him as a “well-respected ethicist”. I hope this provides assurance.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address constituent's lack of confidence in Sir Jonathan's appointment or his links to Bayer and Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

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Q7 Robin Walker Con
NHS
Context

The question focuses on the urgency of delivering compensation to constituents and friends affected by hepatitis and HIV from the scandal.

Question

My constituents and friends have been profoundly affected by hepatitis and HIV from the infected blood scandal. While my right hon. Friend is working hard, can he update the House on conversations with the Treasury for swift delivery of compensation once it is available?

Answer from John Glen

Conversations about compensation are ongoing across Whitehall. The Government aims to publish substantive response on compensation after 20 May. I undertake to update the House at next opportunity when there is something substantive.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific updates or timelines for conversations with the Treasury regarding swift delivery of compensation

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Q8 Nick Thomas-Symonds Lab Torfaen
NHS
Context

Sir Brian Langstaff recommended establishing a compensation scheme last year, which has not yet been set up. The question addresses the lack of timetable from the Government on starting work and seeks confirmation if funding will be included in next week's Budget.

Question

In his second interim report, Sir Brian Langstaff recommended setting up a compensation scheme to begin work this year. We are now into 2024 without a scheme. The Minister has no timetable for when the work will start and victims' groups have waited long enough. Can he confirm if he has persuaded the Chancellor to include funding in next week's Budget, and when first substantive payments will be made?

Answer from John Glen

I cannot pre-announce aspects of the Budget. Legislation left after Report stage is not fit for purpose, necessitating further changes being made urgently. The Government committed to bringing forward amendments in the other place on Monday to enable creation of an arm's length body with necessary legal functions and UK-wide remit.

Not addressed: Did not provide specifics about funding inclusion in next week's Budget or timeline for first substantive payments

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