A haemophiliac who contracted HIV from contaminated NHS blood supplies has slammed the government for failing to provide better support for those infected.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s more than 1,200 people were given blood containing the HIV virus - and 4,800 people were given blood containing Hepatitis C.

More than 800 HIV sufferers have since died while hundreds more have died from Hepatitis C.

Last week the government responded to the privately organised Archer Inquiry by increasing annual compensation payouts for HIV sufferers from £6,400 to £12,800. A review of Hepatitis payouts will be not be held for five years.

The decision has been criticised by a Blackburn haemophiliac, who was diagnosed with HIV in 1985 after being given blood at both Blackburn and Manchester hospitals.

The 59-year-old, who wishes to remain anonymous, also contracted hepatitis C and was put at risk of contracting CJD.

He said: “At the time I was 35 and already had two children, which was fortunate because it would have ruled out starting a family.

“I had to stop working, I couldn't get life insurance. I was effectively given a death sentence. Back in the 1980s there was a real stigma to HIV. It was seen as the gay plague – so people judged me.”

Earlier this year Lord Archer of Sandwell issued a string of recommendations after a two-year inquiry into the scandal.

He suggested a Government apology, a statutory advisory panel and compensation at least equal to that paid to patients in Ireland.

But Health Minister Dawn Primarolo rejected campaigners' demands for substantial compensation payments.

The man added: “This was the worst medical tragedy in the history of the NHS and it has been ignored.

“What they have offered is a pittance. They have completely ignored those who contracted Hepatitis C.”

The decision has also been blasted by health campaigners.

Chris James, Chief Executive of the Haemophilia Society, said: “The Government claims to accept the moral case for action but then, by not implementing the recommendations in full, shows its contempt for the victims.”

Minister for Public Health, Dawn Primarolo said: “Steps to safeguard blood products against HIV and hepatitis C have been in place since 1985. Every reasonable step to minimise risks from blood transfusion has been taken.”