§ 38. Mr. Championasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the Derbyshire Donor Panel of the National Blood Transfusion Service has had to cut out the collection of donors by omnibus in the Melbourne area due to economies consequent on petrol rationing; and what measures he proposes to ensure that this service is granted sufficient petrol to enable it to carry on its work.
§ Mr. VosperI am informed that this reduction is not due to petrol rationing, but is part of a general re-organisation of transport arrangements.
§ Mr. ChampionIs the Minister aware that his information on this matter is contrary to mine? I have a postcard in my hand, sent out by this Service on 18th January, which reads:
Due to economies enforced by petrol rationing, we shall not be able to send our bus for donors this time. This will probably mean a reduction in the numbers who attend. It will help a deal if you will make a special effort to attend, if it is possible to get in without the help of our bus.Does this not indicate clearly that petrol shortage is causing difficulty?
§ Mr. VosperI am advised that the re-organisation of transport was planned in any case, and, of course, travelling expenses are fully reimbursed. In actual fact, the number of blood donors has gone up since the new arrangements were made, and I would rather wait to see how things go on.
§ Mr. ChampionAs the advice which the right hon. Gentleman has received is different from the information which I have given him, will he look into the matter again?
§ Mr. VosperYes, I will certainly look into that point.