A Commons select committee has said failed asylum seekers and illegal immigrants should get free NHS HIV treatment to avoid the risk of a further spread of Aids.

MPs on the health select committee said the government's withdrawal of free treatment from these groups, taken as a measure against "health tourism", was ill-advised.

David Hinchliffe, the committee's chairman, said while it was vital that the UK did not become a magnet for HIV positive people seeking free treatment, he had "seen no evidence that this is happening".

Antiretroviral drugs that can prevent infection with the virus progressing to Aids is no longer available illegal entrants or those who have had an asylum application turned down.

The treatment can cost between £10,000 and £14,000 a year.