To ask the Secretary of State for Health what expert advice was received by the Department of Health about the psychological impact of informing people with haemophilia (a) of their increased risk of developing vCJD and (b) that they were considered an at risk group for public health purposes; what steps were taken to ensure that psychological support would be available to those affected; and if she will make a statement.

The notification exercise by the Health Protection Agency was delivered through the clinicians who treat people with haemophilia and bleeding disorders. These specialist clinicians are the best placed to advise their patients, to counsel them and to present information about risk.

In advance of the notification exercise the United Kingdom haemophilia doctors association, in consultation with the haemophilia patients' association, was asked for and provided its views on the handling of the notification exercise.