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An article in The Scotsman on 31 October 1983 noted a 50% increase in British AIDS cases in September, from 16 to 24.

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In 1983 it was noted that the proposed amendments to the AIDS leaflet had been overlooked, and so, under the advice of Paul Winstanley, 200 000 leaflets were printed in Scotland.

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Regarding the draft AIDS leaflet, John Davies stated that DHSS officials were "toning down the text somewhat, largely to make clear that, even in the US, only a small number of cases has been reported."

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In relation to the AIDS leaflet, John Davies advised that "No separate Scottish announcement would be called for, but an important point for any press inquiries is that Scotland is virtually self sufficient in Factor VIII."

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The AIDS leaflet highlighted that whilst some cases were reported, there were only a small number were in comparison to the USA.

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DHSS ministers had asked for a statement to be used when publishing the leaflet to "put the matter in perspective" and to "allay any impression of over-reaction".

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Paul Winstanley was said to have "confirmed that a revised leaflet - based on Dr McClelland's - was being prepared. He agreed to let me have copies of the final draft and to keep me in touch with developments, especially on the timing of submission to Ministers."

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Paul Winstanley stated "that progress on preparing a draft leaflet and a draft submission to Ministers was slow, but [he] was well aware of the need to consult SHHD on the leaflet and give adequate warning on the timing of an approval to Ministers."

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John Mackay MP expressed gratitude for the note from John Davies, but did not request or require any action to be taken.

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Dr Archibald Prentice forwarded a telex from the WHO to Dr Scott and Dr McIntyre.

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Dr Archibald Prentice's telex recorded that a meeting on AIDS would be held in Denmark in November and reported that as of 1 May 1983 over 120 cases of AIDS had been reported by European countries that were part of the voluntary notification scheme.

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Dr McIntyre observed that the AIDS situation did "not warrant action until the risks have been more fully evaluated."

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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.

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Dr McIntyre stated that the AIDS situation did "not warrant action until the risks have been more fully evaluated."

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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."

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John Mackay emphasised that individuals at high risk of contracting AIDS should not donate blood.

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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.

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Dr Evans argued "there was need for clear advice to the profession on all aspects of the problem of Hepatitis B."

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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.

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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.

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