AN INQUIRY has opened into how thousands of haemophiliacs were infected with HIV and hepatitis C after being given contaminated blood products.
Lord Archer of Sandwell has formally opened the independent inquiry at the Palace of Westminster.
In his opening speech, Lord Archer said he had written to the Department of Health, inviting them to contribute to the inquiry, but he says he was told Government officials had no record of his letter.
He added: "The purpose of the inquiry is to unravel the facts, so far as we are able, and to point to lessons that may be learnt.
"As in the case of any public inquiry the consequences of its report cannot be foreseen.
"Its impact will however depend crucially on the public perception of its value and we shall endeavour to make it a report worthy of high regard."
Among those watching proceedings is David Fielding, aged 51, of Darley Avenue, Farnworth.
The father-of-three was diagnosed with hepatitis C in 1993 after being given contaminated blood products in the 1980s.
By 1995 his liver was riddled with cirrhosis. He was given an life-saving transplant, which not only cured him of his liver disease, but also his haemophilia.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article