Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Infected Blood Inquiry: Second Interim Report

Thursday 25 April 2024 · 4 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • An expert group was appointed in January to provide technical advice on the recommendations of the second interim report of the infected blood inquiry.
  • Legislation to set up the infected blood compensation authority is in the other place and will be debated next Tuesday.
  • A joint team between the Cabinet Office and the Treasury is working to advise on timely decision-making from 20 May.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Gerald Jones Lab Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare
NHS
Context

The second interim report of the infected blood inquiry made recommendations which are yet to be addressed.

Question

What progress has been made on considering the recommendations of the second interim report of the infected blood inquiry? A constituent affected by this issue told me about their liver transplant, ongoing health impacts and stress, noting that one person dies every four days due to this scandal. The House showed its will on this issue, so why are we still waiting for compensation?

Answer from John Glen

An expert group was appointed in January to provide technical advice on the inquiry's recommendations. Legislation to set up the infected blood compensation authority is in the other place and will be debated next Tuesday. The Government is working on interim payments for the estates of the deceased infected, engaging with the community over the first 10 days of May before publishing the final report on 20 May.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify a concrete timeline or date by which people will receive compensation.

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Q2 Gerald Jones Lab Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare
Economy Parliamentary Procedure Standards & Ethics
Context

An amendment tabled by the House to set up a compensation scheme within three months was passed. Victims need concrete action.

Question

The time limit for setting up a compensation scheme is three months, but victims need immediate clarity. When will the Treasury provide detailed costings for the scheme? More importantly, when can victims expect their final compensation payments?

Answer from John Glen

A joint team between the Cabinet Office and the Treasury is working to give advice to the Prime Minister for timely decision-making post-20 May. The aim is to provide clarity on process thereafter, but a specific date for detailed costings has not been provided.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify when detailed costings will be set out or a timeline for final compensation payments.

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Q3 Nick Thomas-Symonds Lab Torfaen
Standards & Ethics
Context

An amendment to set up a compensation scheme within three months was passed by the House.

Question

The amendment sets up a compensation scheme with a strict time limit of three months. Victims need concrete action now. When will the Treasury set out its detailed costings for the scheme? More importantly, when can victims expect their final compensation payments?

Answer from John Glen

A joint team between the Cabinet Office and the Treasury is working to advise on timely decision-making from 20 May. The aim is for clarity on process thereafter, but no specific dates are provided.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a specific date for detailed costings or final compensation payments.

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Q4 Kirsty Blackman SNP Aberdeen North
NHS
Context

Children as young as three were given infected blood, causing long-term health issues. Payouts of compensation are needed for accountability.

Question

Recent revelations that children as young as three received infected blood are truly horrific. How can parents have faith in the UK Government ensuring accountability and taking real responsibility without payouts of compensation?

Answer from John Glen

Sir Brian Langstaff's final report on 20 May will reveal in detail the allegations and consequences. The Minister is working with devolved Administrations to ensure a United Kingdom approach.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify how compensation payments will address accountability or provide real responsibility.

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