GOVERNMENT MUST OFFER FULL COMPENSATION TO TAINTED BLOOD VICTIMS - WILLOTT

12.00.00am GMT Mon 23rd Feb 2009

Today, the 'Archer Inquiry' into Contaminated Blood and Blood Products reported into how thousands of haemophiliacs were infected with HIV and Hepatitis C through contaminated blood products given to them under the NHS.

Commenting, Jenny Willott, Liberal Democrat MP for Cardiff Central, who has led the campaign in Parliament for justice for victims of the 'Tainted Blood scandal', said:

"The Government must not hide from this tragedy anymore. Lord Archer is right to call for full compensation for everyone whose lives have been devastated by this appalling saga.

"By failed to back the inquiry, the Department of Health have been able to withhold key documents and refuse to provide witnesses to explain how this disaster could have occurred.

"In the light of the reports recommendations, a refusing to respond would be a moral outrage. The Government must respond and respond in full.

"Successive Governments have evaded this issue for decades. If an inquiry into the events had been held earlier, many infections and deaths could have been avoided.

"The Government must set up an advisory Committee for Haemophilia so that the lessons of the past can be used to inform future policy over blood contamination, including from vCJD."