THE following is the text of a letter dated April 30th, 1996, from Mr Liam Dunbar, chief, executive officer of the Blood Transfusion Service Board, to Mr Liam Kelly, committee clerk of the Select Committee on Social Affairs:

"I refer to your letter of 23 April requesting that a delegation from the Blood Transfusion Service Board meet the Select Committee on Social Affairs on Thursday 2 May to discuss the hepatitis C issue - I assume that this refers to hepatitis C infection and the supply by the BTSB of anti-D immunoglobulin and other products, which are the subject of current litigation.

"We would normally greatly welcome an opportunity to meet the committee. However, last Friday a trial was specially fixed for 8 October 1996 in relevant High Court proceedings (Brigid Ellen McCole, Plaintiff, and the Blood Transfusion Service Board and other defendants, 1995 No. 4863 P). I am advised that in view of this pending High Court trial, and other ongoing proceedings, it would not be appropriate for a delegation from BTSB to attend before the committee to discuss the hepatitis C issue. I am sure that the committee members understand our position.

"I should say however that, as pointed out in court on Friday, the BTSB will be vigorously contesting at trial (among other matters) the allegations of recent weeks relating to the implications of reports of a clinical diagnosis of infectious hepatitis in November/December 1976".