HUMAN TISSUES ACT, 1961

HC Deb 15 June 1971 vol 819 cc229-30

Q3. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Prime Minister if he is satisfied with the co-ordination between the Secretary of State for the Home Department, the Secretary of State for Social Services and the Attorney-General in making proposals to amend the Human Tissue Act, 1961, and implement the Report on the Transplant of Human Organs under the chairmanship of Sir Hector Maclennan.

The Prime Minister

My right hon. Friends are together continuing to keep these matters under review, but the Government have at present no plans to legislate. Meanwhile there is nothing to prevent voluntary bequests of organs for transplantation.

Mr. Dalyell

Is the Prime Minister aware that many hon. Members would like this subject to have a place in the Queen's Speech in November?

The Prime Minister

I realise that it is not only a question of opinion in the medical profession but that many hon. and right hon. Members have expressed the view that there should be legislation on this subject. Nevertheless, I think that if the hon. Gentleman studies the matter closely he will recognise that it is extremely controversial. What is required is a clear indication that legislation will improve the situation, and at the moment I think that that clear and convincing proof is lacking.

Dr. Summerskill

Would not the Prime Minister agree that the present law relating to transplants is obsolete in many respects and in need of clarification, and that it is urgent that a greater supply of kidneys should be available for transplants on the lines of the recommendations in the Report, in order to save thousands of lives every year?

The Prime Minister

I am not absolutely certain that I can agree with the last part of the hon. Lady's question. but, as I have said, this is now under urgent consideration by the Government. If the hon. Lady is referring to difficulties in the law relating to coroners—and there are certain aspects of this which are important—I can tell her that this comes within the terms of reference of the Brodrick Committee, which is expected to report later in the year.