HC Deb 15 November 1951 vol 493 cc1138-9
4. Dr. Horace King

asked the Minister of Health whether he will propose to amend the Anatomy Acts so as to make it easier for persons to bequeath their eyes to be used for the benefit of blind people.

Mr. Crookshank

I will consider this and write to the hon. Member.

Dr. King

In view of the almost miraculous restoration by cornea grafting of sight to those whose blindness is due to cornea disease, and in view of the necessity of obtaining eyes within a few hours after the death of one who has bequeathed them for this purpose, will the right hon. Gentleman consult the eye surgeons and give very serious consideration to this matter?

Mr. Crookshank

I would rather have a conversation with the hon. Member first.

Mr. Gerald Williams

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that in France a law has recently been introduced to overcome this difficulty? There are very many willing donors, but they cannot give their eyes after a post mortem, and the law in France has been altered to get over this difficulty. Will my right hon. Friend therefore give serious consideration to these aspects for this country?

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