A submission in support of a new advisory committee on the virological safety of blood was sent to ministers. Read more about A submission in support of a new advisory committee on the virological safety of blood was sent to ministers.
On 14 November 1983 Kenneth Clarke MP told Parliament that "there is no conclusive evidence that acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is transmitted by blood products" and that same statement asserted that professional advice had been made available to all haemophilia centres in relation to the possible risks of AIDS from Factor 8 concentrates. It was unclear what information or professional advice was provided to him in making this statement. Read more about On 14 November 1983 Kenneth Clarke MP told Parliament that "there is no conclusive evidence that acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is transmitted by blood products" and that same statement asserted that professional advice had been made available to all haemophilia centres in relation to the possible risks of AIDS from Factor 8 concentrates. It was unclear what information or professional advice was provided to him in making this statement.
The use of the "no conclusive proof" phrase was not an accurate reflection of the DHSS's actual understanding and belief, which was that it was likely that AIDS was transmitted through blood and blood products. The submission pointed out that the use of that line was to avoid alarming the public. Read more about The use of the "no conclusive proof" phrase was not an accurate reflection of the DHSS's actual understanding and belief, which was that it was likely that AIDS was transmitted through blood and blood products. The submission pointed out that the use of that line was to avoid alarming the public.
The ministerial statement was reported in the press, and both the Daily Telegraph and the Times reported Mr Kenneth Clark MP's announcement that there was no conclusive proof that AIDS was transmitted in blood or blood products. Read more about The ministerial statement was reported in the press, and both the Daily Telegraph and the Times reported Mr Kenneth Clark MP's announcement that there was no conclusive proof that AIDS was transmitted in blood or blood products.
Dr Evans argued "there was need for clear advice to the profession on all aspects of the problem of Hepatitis B." Read more about Dr Evans argued "there was need for clear advice to the profession on all aspects of the problem of Hepatitis B."
Hugh Morison forwarded information to Dr Scott, Dr Bell, and Mr Macpherson that 16 Scottish people with haemophilia had been identified with antibodies indicating exposure to AIDS. Read more about Hugh Morison forwarded information to Dr Scott, Dr Bell, and Mr Macpherson that 16 Scottish people with haemophilia had been identified with antibodies indicating exposure to AIDS.
John Mackay emphasised that individuals at high risk of contracting AIDS should not donate blood. Read more about John Mackay emphasised that individuals at high risk of contracting AIDS should not donate blood.
Kenneth Clarke MP stated "In 1984 monitoring was commenced of 3 recipients of blood transfusions given by a donor who subsequently had developed AIDS; the transfusions took place in 1983 and 1984." Read more about Kenneth Clarke MP stated "In 1984 monitoring was commenced of 3 recipients of blood transfusions given by a donor who subsequently had developed AIDS; the transfusions took place in 1983 and 1984."
Dr McIntyre stated that the AIDS situation did "not warrant action until the risks have been more fully evaluated." Read more about Dr McIntyre stated that the AIDS situation did "not warrant action until the risks have been more fully evaluated."
Dr McIntyre stated that thought was being given both to the production of a leaflet about AIDS for donors and to avoid collection in high risk locations such as prisons or where there was known to be a high proportion of homosexuals or drug abusers in the population. Read more about Dr McIntyre stated that thought was being given both to the production of a leaflet about AIDS for donors and to avoid collection in high risk locations such as prisons or where there was known to be a high proportion of homosexuals or drug abusers in the population.