HC Deb 13 March 1972 vol 833 cc1-3
2. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the shortage of kidneys for transplant operations in Wales.

The Minister of State, Welsh Office (Mr. David Gibson-Watt)

No firm estimate is possible. Currently transplant operations are taking place in Wales at the rate of about 25 a year. Some 70 patients are being treated by haemo-dialysis of whom about 45 are being considered for transplant operations.

Mr. Dalyell

Is the Minister of State aware that the petition being organised by Mr. Gabe Wilkinson and his friends is of interest far wider in the United Kingdom than Wales? Will the hon. Gentleman use his influence to look at the petition and perhaps use his influence in the Cabinet with a view to amending the Human Tissue Act?

Mr. Gibson-Watt

My right hon. and learned Friend will consider the petition when it is to hand. I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for telling us about it.

Sir G. Nabarro

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that the Renal Transplantation Bill, in the last days of the last Parliament, failed by only a small margin to reach the Statute Book? Will he advise his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services of the importance of that aspect for dealing with this problem?

Mr. Gibson-Watt

Yes, but we take the view that legislation is not the right way to tackle this difficult and sensitive subject. In our view, persuasion and education are the better courses to pursue.

Mr. George Thomas

Is the Minister of State aware that Wales has been leading the field in this matter and has a very good record? Is the hon. Gentleman further aware that the Government must show greater interest in getting enough people to be available for kidney transplants? The petition is receiving massive support in the Principality. I hope that we can expect as much from the Government.

Mr. Gibson-Watt

That is true. We are considering whether an effective and acceptable donor recruitment scheme can be devised.

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