Infected blood victims had ‘incredibly bad luck’, Sir John Major tells inquiry

• Sir John Major told the infected blood inquiry victims suffered 'bad luck.'

Thousands of victims of the infected blood scandal suffered “incredibly bad luck”, former Prime Minister Sir John Major has said.

The former MP for Huntingdon was asked during a hearing of the Infected Blood Inquiry about correspondence within government when it became apparent that compensation for victims of the scandal would be needed.

The infection of up to 30,000 people with HIV or hepatitis C from contaminated blood has been called the biggest treatment disaster in the history of the NHS.

Thousands died after contaminated blood products were imported from the US in the 1970s and 1980s, often from prisoners, sex workers and drug addicts who were paid to give their blood.

Sir John was asked about one letter he wrote in November 1987, when he was Chief Secretary to the Treasury, where he said: "I have to say that, although in terms of equity, there might seem to be some gains to be made from a positive response, it would seem to have very real dangers.

"How could such a precedent be ring-fenced? It could lead to an open-ended commitment of huge dimensions.

"Might it not give rise to court action against the government because of the implication of negligence?

"Have the law offices given a view on the possible consequences of a sympathetic response?

"I do not feel that we can afford to offer such a response until the pros and cons have been thoroughly considered."

Asked about the letter during the public inquiry, Sir John said he was pointing out that the pros and cons must be considered, including how much compensation should be offered.

He described the effects of the scandal on victims as a "horror", adding: "There’s no amount of compensation you can give that could actually compensate for what had happened to them.

"What had happened to them was incredibly bad luck – awful – and it was not something that anybody was unsympathetic to."

Victims have long believed the extent of the contamination scandal was covered up.

Sir John’s comment that they were the victims of "incredibly bad luck" drew angry gasps from some of those present at the inquiry.

Clive Smith, chairman of the Haemophilia Society, said in a statement following the comments: "Sir John Major’s evidence today that the suffering and death of more than 3,000 people with haemophilia and other bleeding disorders as a result of contaminated NHS treatment is ‘bad luck’ is both offensive and complacent.

"His evidence is a reminder that successive governments over the last 30 years have refused to accept responsibility for this treatment disaster – and the denial continues.

"Even now, people are still dying of infection contracted in the 1980s and they are dying without justice.

"Those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C caused by NHS-prescribed infected blood and clotting factors continue to fight for accountability, proper recognition of their suffering and compensation."

Among the thousands of people infected were 70 boys at Treloar College, near Alton, Hampshire.

They were infected with HIV and hepatitis during routine haemophilia treatment at the school during the 1970s and 1980s. Since then, all but 17 have died.

Campaigners say 'very real failings' in health policy led to unnecessary premature deaths, and that compensation money is secondary to getting accountability.

A compensation framework was announced earlier this month, recognising for the first time that mistakes were made.

Helpful websites and support

Engagement Team & General EnquiriesEmail: contact@infectedbloodinquiry.org.ukTelephone Number: 0808 169 1377

British Red Cross

0800 458 94730203 417 0280

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know...