§ 30. Mr. Culverwellasked the Minister of Health whether the blood transfusion organisation for the London and Home Counties district is still taking regular donations of blood from registered blood 512 donors; and, since military requirements are provided for by a separate organisation which is a special branch of the Royal Army Medical Corps, what is done with this blood given by citizens?
§ Mr. ElliotThe blood transfusion organisation for London and the Home Counties was set up to ensure a ready supply of blood. As blood can only be stored for a limited time, supplies are being continually taken from blood donors. Arrangements have been made with the Defence Services that the stores of blood will be used to supply Service requirements subject to civilian demands being satisfied, but blood which is taken and not used for its primaiy purpose is being utilised for the preparation of serum, a stock of which is invaluable under war conditions.
39. Mr. David Adamsasked the Minister of Health whether the respective blood transfusion schemes throughout the country are in satisfactory working order and equipped for war emergencies; and whether he will give details as to the actual position?
§ Mr. ElliotThe chief measure taken for the increase in the supply of blood for transfusion purposes is the setting up of depots on the outskirts of the London region where a store is now always maintained. These depots have been set up by the Medical Research Council and are now fully in operation. They will supply blood to the London region and to some districts outside. In the provinces the existing voluntary arrangements have been augmented.
Mr. AdamsIf I supply the Minister with a contrary opinion will he undertake to apologise to the House?
§ Mr. ElliotI will undertake to investigate any facts supplied by the hon. Member.