West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has offered her support to constituents following the debate on contaminated blood issues in the House of Commons today (January 15). The Backbench Business Committee offered time to MPs to debate the issue of patients who were infected by contaminated blood products in the 1970s and 1980s. Campaigners are calling on the Government to do more to help people who have been affected and to hold a further inquiry into the long-running issue. Harriett has been lobbied over the last four years by several constituents who have been directly affected by this issue. In 2011, the Government announced £130 million of additional support, increasing the amount of individual funding given to people affected to £50,000 as well as agreeing an annual payment of £12,800 and the creation of a hardship fund. Harriett commented: “I have taken up this case at the highest levels of Government and been a staunch supporter of those people in my constituency who have been affected by this very difficult issue. “I welcome the additional steps the Government is taking to help these victims. “As well as larger lump-sum payments, the Government has acted to provide money for counselling, started a hardship fund and offered free prescriptions for drugs. “I hope this debate will clarify exactly what further action the government can take that will allow my constituents to get on with their lives.”