THE “bad blood” scandal, which left thousands of haemophiliacs infected with HIV and hepatitis B and C including two Bolton brothers, will be debated in the House of Commons for the first time.

David Fielding, aged 54, of Farnworth, who needed a liver transplant after contracting hepatitis B and C, says he hopes it will finally result in “proper”

compensation for the victims.

His brother, Brian, died in 1990, at the age of 46 after being infected with H I V. Ar o u n d 4 , 5 0 0 haemo p h i l i a cs we r e affected by the scandal in the 1970s and 1980s.

About 2,000 people have now died as a result.

Campaigners have spent more than two decades fighting for justice for the victims, including financial compensation.

Now, in the next stage of the battle, they have secured a back bench debate, due to start tomorrow, the first time the issue has been discussed in the House of Commons.

It is part of a new debate scheme for back benchers — and the “bad blood”

scandal will be the first topic.

Mr Fielding marked the 20th anniversary of his brother’s death and 12 years since his life-saving surgery at the weekend.

He said: “It’s a big week for me, it’s the first time we have been able to get a debate on the floor of the House and we are made up.

“I’m more hopeful than I’ve ever been, but I am worried they will see compensation as admitting guilt.

“We will not go away, we deserve to be compensated and this has been going on far too long.”

Mr Fielding and other campaigners are in London today to lobby MPs, ahead of the debate tomorrow.

They also brought the issue to the attention of public health minister, Anne Milton MP, this summer.

Mr Fielding said: “She has said this is one of her top priorities and she wants it sorted by Christmas.

“I will be absolutely devastated if nothing is done, we need compensation to acknowledge what we have lost, what we have been through and what we are still struggling with.

“We need this sorted so then we can get on with the rest of our lives.”

Following the scandal, an independent inquiry by Lord Archer recommended better compensation for all victims and a committee to advise on haemophilia.

Attempts to get a Contaminated Blood Bill through Parliament, to implement the recommendations, have not yet been successful.

In April the Labour government agreed to look at compensation.

Now it is hoped the Coalition will do the same and resolve the issue as quickly as possible.