TREATMENT FOR HEPATITIS C

Early day motion 554, tabled 21 March 2000 by Lord Cotter (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 68 members.

That this House is concerned to note that more than 600, 000 people in the United Kingdom are infected with hepatitis C; notes that many of these were infected as a result of blood products treatment by the National Health Service; welcomes the success of Ribavirin and Recombinant Interferon Alpha trials in fighting hepatitis C; regrets that some health authorities, including Avon Health Authority, refuse to fund the use of these new treatments; is concerned that as a result of this treatment by postcode, many patients, such as Mrs Patricia Greed of Weston-super-Mare, do not receive necessary medical care; and calls on health authorities and the Department of Health to ensure that all hepatitis C sufferers, regardless of where they live, have equal access to treatment.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 34, Labour 28, Labour/Co-operative 4, Scottish National Party 1, UUP 1.