Theresa May considering investigation into historic blood contamination scandal that left thousands with Hepatitis and HIV

Victims have been waiting decades to find out exactly how the tragedy happened

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The Prime Minister will consider setting up an independent panel to investigate the historic blood contamination scandal that left thousands of people infected with diseases.

Mrs May said she recognised concern over the tragedy that one MP described as the "biggest treatment disaster in the history of the NHS".

During the 1970s and 1980s some 5,000 people were infected with Hepatitis C and 1,200 with HIV during NHS treatment for haemophilia or blood transfusion.

While victims in England have received discretionary payments from the Government, no body or organisation has ever admitted liability or paid compensation over the affair.

Mrs May made her comments after being asked whether she would consider setting up an inquiry panel like that established to get to the bottom of the Hillsborough disaster.

Questioning the Prime Minister over the matter, Labour MP Diana Johnson called the scandal the "biggest treatment disaster in the history of the NHS", adding: "Victims are still wating for answers and justice 35 years on."

Mrs May said: "I will take the point that she has made away and consider it.

"Obviously, she will know the reasons and the background which led to the Hillsborough independent panel, but I recognicse the concern that people have about contaminated blood and will consider the point that she has made."

The Hillsborough panel revealed that an attempt was made to "impugn the reputations" of people who died in the tragic stadium crush that happened in 1989.