William Waldegrave provided a written answer to a question regarding the settlement of the litigation. Read more about William Waldegrave provided a written answer to a question regarding the settlement of the litigation.
The solicitor who was chairman of the Scottish Haemophilia/HIV Litigation Group wrote to the Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Lang: "Not only were the Scottish lawyers excluded from the discussions with the Government, they were not even advised that these discussions were taking place." Read more about The solicitor who was chairman of the Scottish Haemophilia/HIV Litigation Group wrote to the Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Lang: "Not only were the Scottish lawyers excluded from the discussions with the Government, they were not even advised that these discussions were taking place."
William Waldegrave wished to make the announcement regarding settlement, whether or not the steering committee of lawyers representing the plaintiffs had agreed to the proposals. This caused tension with the Treasury. Read more about William Waldegrave wished to make the announcement regarding settlement, whether or not the steering committee of lawyers representing the plaintiffs had agreed to the proposals. This caused tension with the Treasury.
The Prime Minister John Major agreed to the settlement proposals. Read more about The Prime Minister John Major agreed to the settlement proposals.
Civil servants told the Prime Minister John Major there were significant risks attached to settlement on the basis proposed, but the Health Secretary, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Social Security Secretary, and counsel all thought that those were outweighed by the advantages. Read more about Civil servants told the Prime Minister John Major there were significant risks attached to settlement on the basis proposed, but the Health Secretary, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Social Security Secretary, and counsel all thought that those were outweighed by the advantages.
In his oral evidence, Sir John Major noted that in 1990 it would have been "absurdly foolish" to not have taken the opportunity to settle an issue that had caused victims a great deal of anguish. Read more about In his oral evidence, Sir John Major noted that in 1990 it would have been "absurdly foolish" to not have taken the opportunity to settle an issue that had caused victims a great deal of anguish.
William Waldegrave and David Mellor wrote to the Prime Minister regarding the proposed settlement. They attached particular importance to a number of points, including "recipients of the new money would have to undertake to drop the existing cases and forswear bringing any future cases on the matter". Read more about William Waldegrave and David Mellor wrote to the Prime Minister regarding the proposed settlement. They attached particular importance to a number of points, including "recipients of the new money would have to undertake to drop the existing cases and forswear bringing any future cases on the matter".
In his oral evidence to the Inquiry, Lord Waldegrave explained his reasons for wanting to announce an agreement in principle whether or not there had been any agreement with the plaintiffs' representatives, and in circumstances where the plaintiffs themselves clearly would not all have agreed. Read more about In his oral evidence to the Inquiry, Lord Waldegrave explained his reasons for wanting to announce an agreement in principle whether or not there had been any agreement with the plaintiffs' representatives, and in circumstances where the plaintiffs themselves clearly would not all have agreed.
Lord Waldegrave told the Inquiry he considered there were two arguments which were key to winning the argument with the Treasury regarding the settlement. "The victims' lawyers have come forward with an offer that they say will be seen as fair by their clients. This will not recur, we've got to do this and do it quickly. And look at the numbers; you can afford them, we can afford them." Read more about Lord Waldegrave told the Inquiry he considered there were two arguments which were key to winning the argument with the Treasury regarding the settlement. "The victims' lawyers have come forward with an offer that they say will be seen as fair by their clients. This will not recur, we've got to do this and do it quickly. And look at the numbers; you can afford them, we can afford them."
Lord Waldegrave told the Inquiry that he was anxious for speed when is came to settlement. Read more about Lord Waldegrave told the Inquiry that he was anxious for speed when is came to settlement.