Hearings to probe blood payout fears

THE Infected Blood Inquiry is to hold more hearings amid ongoing concerns surrounding compensation for victims.

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Officials announced that the hearings, to be held on May 7 and 8, will examine the "timeliness and adequacy of the Government's response to compensation".

Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds will give evidence along with senior officials from the Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA). Groups representing people infected and affected by the scandal will also give evidence.

More than 30,000 people in the UK were infected with HIV and hepatitis C after they were given contaminated blood and blood products between the 1970s and early 1990s.