Diana Johnson MP has told MPs about a letter from the Health Secretary that claims that compensating victims of NHS contaminated blood would mean cuts elsewhere in the NHS.
The Hull North MP said in the House of Commons: "On a Point of Order, as you are aware Mr Speaker, following the recent Penrose Report, the House is expecting a statement before the Summer Recess on future arrangements for compensating those effected in the NHS contaminated blood scandal.
"I have been sent a copy of a letter from the Health Secretary, reported in the Sunday Express yesterday, in which he says, I quote:
"Any additional resources found for a settlement will be taken away from money spent on direct care for patients in the NHS".
"I am particularly concerned as the Co-Chair of the APPG about this approach and would ask whether the Health Secretary has indicated to you when he will be making his statement, as detail of the settlement and the financing of it should surely be made to this House first?"
The exchange with the Speaker of the House happened in the Commons today.