Health Bill [HL]

I declare an interest as a vice-president of the Haemophilia Association. This seems to be a reasonable amendment. People with haemophilia have had the most unfortunate time over the years since the emergence of HIV/AIDS. In the early years of HIV, it was found that 75 per cent of haemophiliacs at the Newcastle upon Tyne unit developed HIV, and many of them have died. Hepatitis C was also found to be a problem. So was variant CJD, and nobody knows whether it will present itself and to whom. It has been horrific for people who have died from CJD and for their families. Safety in blood and blood products is of the utmost importance. While I was visiting a haemophilia unit in Leeds, the telephone rang. It was a teacher from a school asking if a haemophiliac boy could play football. There are so many questions to be asked and answered. A united committee could give support and information to those involved with this challenging speciality, which needs all the support it can get. This amendment may be the last on the Bill, but this is an important issue. The work with prions needs top scientists to find a way of protecting everybody from the dangers of contaminated or tainted blood. It could affect anyone at any time.