GOVERNMENT health advisers knew patients were at risk of contracting Aids from imported blood as early as 1983, it was reported today.

It comes as an independent inquiry examines the deaths of nearly 2,000 haemophiliacs exposed to HIV or Hepatitis C through contaminated blood.

The Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM) discussed importing blood products from the US in July 1983 but ruled out a ban because of fears it would mean a shortfall.

The Guardian newspaper obtained minutes of the meeting which said: "The perceived level of risk does not at present justify serious consideration of such a solution."

Dr Joseph Smith, who chaired the CSM sub-committee, said today it was a `great tragedy' people contracted blood-borne diseases from contaminated materials but said the committee's conclusions were based on the best available evidence at the time.

He said: "The sub-committee faced the difficult decision of weighing the relatively uncertain risk of contamination from imported blood products against the serious risk of harm to patients with haemophilia should there be a shortage of products."

Haemophiliacs in the US were seen to be contracting Aids in 1983 but the Haemophilia Society opposed a ban and urged people to continue treatment.

A spokesman for the Department of Health said: "The conclusions of the CSM were based on the best available evidence at the time, balancing what was known of the risks and benefits to patients living with a life-threatening condition."