23 Jan 2004
Scotland Office Minister, Anne McGuire, commented on today's announcement on payment for those infected with Hepatitis C.
Mrs McGuire said,
"I am pleased that the scheme for ex-gratia payment for those who contracted Hepatitis C has now been finalised. "I am especially glad that the Government has agreed that the payments will be tax exempt and have no effect on benefits.
"The Scotland Office has been working closely at Ministerial and official level with the Scottish Government and Department of Health to help bring this important issue to a very positive conclusion."
The payment scheme, announced by the Department of Health, will award payment of £20,000 to those who contracted Hepatitis C as a result of receiving infected blood. A further £25,000 will be awarded to those who go on to develop more advanced illness.
Those who receive the payment and on benefits will not have their benefits affected.
NOTES TO NEWS EDITORS
1. Further details on the announcement are available from the Department of Health website at http://www.info.doh.gov.uk/doh/intpress.nsf/page/2004-0025?OpenDocument
Contact:Michael Duncan: 0207 270 6875