This appalling contaminated blood scandal has blighted the lives of many, including some of my constituents. That the inquiry is finally getting underway is very good news, although it has taken us far too long to get here. Vital now that the Government co-operates fully with the inquiry.

Stephen Kinnock: The Farrugia family in my Aberavon constituency have been treated in an absolutely appalling manner throughout this entire sorry affair, so they will certainly welcome today’s announcement. Will the Minister provide a bit more assurance about the access to the updates—regular and detailed ones, I hope—that my constituents will receive as this process begins and goes on?

​Mr Lidington: The question of whether there will be formal interim reports is a matter for the inquiry chair under the terms of the 2005 Act, but I can assure the Farrugia family, through the hon. Gentleman, that all proceedings of the inquiry and the expert groups will be public. I am sure that Sir Brian will want to ensure that the records of those proceedings are made widely available to all who are particularly affected.