Government 'ignored risks of HIV from imported blood'

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But a ban on overseas blood was not implemented because the Committee on Safety of Medicines feared it would cause a shortage of necessary supplies.

The revelations come as an independent inquiry is examining the deaths of nearly 2,000 haemophiliacs who were exposed to HIV or hepatitis C through contaminated blood.

The Guardian obtained minutes of a CSM meeting on 13 July 1983, which said: "The possibility was considered of withdrawing US preparations from the UK. It was concluded that it is not at present feasible on grounds of supply. Moreover, the perceived level of risk does not at present justify serious consideration of such a solution."

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Imported blood: Government knew of HIV risk

The documents show the government advisers also knew the risks were highest if blood products came from homosexuals and drug users in areas of high incidence such as New York and California.

But they ruled it was outweighed by the "life saving" benefits of transfusions for haemophiliacs. British patients were not told of the risks.

A total of 1,757 patients have died and many more are terminally ill after receiving blood contaminated with HIV and hepatitis C. It has been called "the worst treatment disaster in the history of the NHS" by Labour peer Lord Winston.

Sir Joseph Smith, who chaired the sub-committee, said: "It remains a great tragedy that many people contracted blood-borne diseases from contaminated materials.

"The conclusions were based on the best available evidence at the time, balancing what was known of the risks and benefits of current treatment options to patients living with a life-threatening condition."