Victims of the NHS contaminated blood scandal believe the Government is delaying the introduction of a "proper" compensation package because it is waiting for more of them to die, an MP has said.

Consultation on the reform of support arrangements for people affected by failings in the 1970s and 1980s which saw them infected with hepatitis C and HIV was launched in January following a delay.

Hundreds of people in Scotland, many of whom were haemophiliac patients, were infected with hepatitis C and HIV through contaminated blood and blood products by the NHS.

There are now concerns that the Government's proposals will actually leave some people worse off than they are now.

Diana Johnson, the Labour MP for Kingston upon Hull North, described the scandal as "the biggest treatment disaster in the history of the NHS" as she led a debate on the issue in the House of Commons.

She urged ministers to look again at their plans as MPs on both sides of the chamber criticised the consultation which is due to end this month.

"I think we have now had a chance to consider the details of the Government's proposals," she said.

"I'm disappointed. I don't think they deliver what we all want them to deliver to give people dignity and to allow them to get on with their lives rather than constantly having to battle to get support.

"Currently this means campaigning to ensure their lives don't get even worse let alone see any improvements.

"They need and they deserve action in a timely manner. They do not want to end their lives as campaigners.

"Many of those infected have told me that they believe that the Government is just delaying making a proper settlement as more and more of these people die, and after their long and bitter experience who can blame them?"

The Government announced in January that an extra £100 million would be allocated to help the victims of the scandal.

Its proposals would see a single body made responsible for a single support scheme.

Ministers have faced heavy criticism over the amount of time it has taken to reach the consultation phase.

The £100 million is in addition to existing allocations as well as a figure of £25 million which was announced in March 2015.

David Cameron and the Government have previously apologised for the scandal.

Ms Johnson said that under the proposals "many of the existing recipients will receive lower payments" than they do currently.

"The Government's proposals would end all discretionary support such as winter fuel allowance, child supplements and low income top-ups - meaning that many people will potentially lose out, some by thousands of pounds each year," she said.

Caroline Lucas, the Green MP for Brighton Pavilion, said such an outcome would be "completely unacceptable".

She asked Ms Johnson: "Would you agree with me... that it is completely unacceptable that any reform that the Government brings forward should make sick people even worse off?

"That just seems to be the height of injustice. One of my constituents will lose £500 a month."

Meanwhile, concerns were also expressed that people in England would be worse off under the plans than their counterparts in Scotland where "far more generous" support would be offered to certain groups.

Rebecca Pow was one of a number of MPs who criticised the consultation.

The Tory MP for Taunton Deane said: "Whilst I do applaud this consultation that the Government has brought forward, there are many that believe it's only adding fuel to the fire, in fact making the situation worse and causing more pain.

"Not least the fact that in Scotland people suffering there may potentially get a better deal than those in England."

Conor McGinn, Labour MP for St Helens North, prompted widespread applause in the public gallery - which was packed with contaminated blood campaigners - when he urged the Government to take action.

He said: "The Prime Minister's apology gave my constituent Sandra Molyneux hope that the wrong done to her and her family would finally be righted.

"Do you agree with me though that subsequent developments fly in the face of that and that Sandra and thousands of others say to the Government through us today: 'Don't tell us you're sorry, show us you're sorry'."