BOLTON MP Brian Iddon has given a stark warning to Parliament that hepatitis C -- often contracted by drug users -- is now as big a threat as HIV, the virus which can lead to Aids.

He shocked politicians by predicting that there are an estimated 500,000 carriers who do not realise they have the virus.

Dr Iddon told the Commons that the problem is so grave that some hospital consultants consider that hepatitis C may kill more people than HIV.

He added: "It affects people of all types and, worryingly, many of those affected are not aware that they are carrying the virus. The biggest risk is to be found amongst injecting drug users."

The MP for Bolton South East came across the figures while chairing the Bolton Misuse of Drugs Group.

"We need to have more and better needle exchange schemes and there needs to be confidential screening procedures which are accessible."

Dr Iddon is hailing a small victory after health minister Hazel Blears said that she has set up a strategy group in recognition of the importance of hepatitis C as a serious public health issue.

Mrs Blears said: "Much work is required to alert people to the possibility of infection with hepatitis C and to make sure that screening, counselling, support, prevention and treatment are at the top of the agenda."

The hepatitis C virus generally refers to an inflammation of the liver, although it has been detected in other parts of the body. Hepatitis C was first identified in 1989 and is seen as a relatively new virus. There are six strains, each with many sub-strains which mutate rapidly, making the development of a vaccine unlikely. Dr Iddon wants to highlight the risks even further and is pressing for a 90-minute adjournment debate.