To ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice her Department has given to clinicians asked to give evidence assurances to the inquiry chaired by Lord Archer into contaminated blood and blood products; and if she will make a statement. (141005)

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will ensure that the revised drug strategy includes a strong commitment to reducing the transmission of blood borne viruses including (a) improved access to testing and treatment and (b) setting clear targets to ensure delivery. (139726)

A consultation document on the new Drug Strategy will be launched shortly. A commitment to harm reduction will certainly be an important part of the Strategy. On 22 May this year, I launched the Department’s action plan, Reducing Drug-related Harm, signalling the Government’s continuing commitment to prioritise treatment in tackling the harms of drug misuse.

The action plan sets out the broad stream of action to be taken in England to enhance harm reduction activities within the drug treatment sector, with the aim of progressively reducing the number of drug misusers either dying through a drug-related death or contracting blood-borne virus infections.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many of the documents rediscovered by her Department as referred to in the Review of Documentation relating to the Safety of Blood Products 1970-1985 (a) have yet to be made publicly available and (b) relate to AIDS/HIV; if she will release all such documents to Lord Archer's inquiry into this matter; and if she will make a statement; (140980)

“The Review of Documentation Relating to the Safety of Blood Products 1970-1985 (Non A-Non B Hepatitis)” (NANBH) identified 56 previously unpublished documents that relate to NANBH. These were released with the review on the 22 May 2007.

The review identifies just over 4,600 documents that have yet to be made publicly available, and approximately 42 per cent. of these have been identified as relating to HIV/AIDS. Lord Archer has been advised that we propose to release these documents in line with the Freedom of Information Act.