Aids blood risk 'known in 1983'

It comes 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 Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM) discussed the issue at a meeting on July 13 1983 but ruled out a ban because of fears it would mean a shortfall in supply.

The Guardian obtained minutes of the CSM meeting 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."

The CSM sub-committee meeting was chaired by Dr Joseph Smith, now Sir Joseph, who told the Guardian: "The sub-committee faced the difficult decision of weighing the relatively uncertain risk of contamination from imported blood products against the serious risk of harm to patients with haemophilia should there be a shortage of products. The conclusions reached were considered and agreed by the CSM.

"At that time the need for blood products far outstripped the supply of the material produced in the UK.

The sub-committee wanted the UK to produce enough material as soon as possible so that import would no longer be required."

He said it was a "great tragedy" that people contracted blood-borne diseases from contaminated materials but said the committee's conclusions were based on the best available evidence at the time.

A spokesman for the Department of Health said: "The conclusions of the CSM 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."