HC Deb 11 June 1968 vol 766 cc3-4
3. Mr. Roebuck

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the exceptional nature of the heart transplant operation at the National Heart Hospital on 3rd May, he will make a calculation of its cost.

Mr. K. Robinson

To calculate the full cost would involve making a number of arguable assumptions and then expending a disproportionate amount of time and effort.

Mr. Roebuck

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many hon. Members want to send good wishes for the complete recovery of the patient concerned? Does my right hon. Friend think it appropriate that the large sums involved in experimental advanced surgery of this kind— and about £20,000 is the figure I have seen—should come from the National Health Service budget? Will he consider asking Parliament for a special budget for research work of this kind?

Mr. Robinson

Research funds come from a number of different sources under existing arrangements. While paying tribute to the outstanding achievements of the hospital team which performed the operation, it would be well not to forget the great contribution which the hospital service can make to the relief of human suffering by means of simpler and more routine procedures. I understand that the patient's improvement, following his relapse yesterday, has been maintained, but his condition still gives cause for concern.

Mr. Maurice Macmillan

In view of what the Minister has said, will he reassure the House that in counting the cost of these operations he is also counting the diversionary effect on more conventional treatment?

Mr. Robinson

Yes, certainly.

Dr. Winstanley

In addition to considering the cost and the whole question of priorities in the medical sphere in a matter of this kind, we ought to be considering further the question of the decision about the point at which death takes place and the question surrounding the giving of consent relating to operations of this kind. Does the Minister agree that it is time we debated the whole matter?

Mr. Robinson

The question of a debate is not for me, although I would welcome expressions of view from the House and from other quarters. The conference which I called has been reconvened and has reconsidered this matter. I shall be making a further statement to the House in due course.