§ 7. Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what figures he has for the number of kidney transplants performed for any convenient four-week period after the "Panorama" programme on 13 October, with any convenient period before 13 October.
§ Dr. VaughanWe know of 59 transplants in the four weeks immediately before the "Panorama" programme and of 44 in the four weeks following. This shows a small fall. I am glad to say, however, that there was some increase in the four weeks up to 8 December, with 56 transplants notified.
§ Mr. DalyellI should like to put a question of which I have given notice to the Minister's office. What is his reply to Professor Roy Calne, who says that one-third of the organs expected are being received? What does he say to those who expect dialysis but cannot obtain it due to the limited facilities.
§ Dr. VaughanI think that the "Panorama" programme was an absolute tragedy. I am personally very aware of the 1,800 people who are waiting and whose lives would be saved or transformed if a kidney was made available to them. It has always been our view that the BBC owes it 134 to the public to try to repair the damage. I am glad that the BBC announced yesterday that there will be a full studio debate in February on BBC1. This is to be welcomed.
§ Mr. Paul DeanWill my hon. Friend confirm that the BBC at long last intends to get off its high horse to try to repair some of the damage that it has done to critically ill patients who could benefit from transplants where donors are available?
§ Dr. VaughanYes. I am glad that the BBC has agreed on the programme and that there will be full medical co-operation. It has emerged that the programme was misleading and that there was no opportunity for the British medical profession to tell the public what went on. There will now be a possibility of that happening through the next programme.
§ Mr. Terry DavisI agree with the Minister about the tragic effects of the television programme in question. Will he tell the House whether the figures have been affected by the letter that he sent to the special kidney unit at the Dulwich hospital telling it that it should send bills to health authorities in the areas where their patients live? What is the cost of employing civil servants to send and receive these internal invoices? What happens if a health authority refuses to pay? Is the patient merely allowed to die?
§ Dr. VaughanMay I welcome the hon. Gentleman to his new position and hope that he will occupy it for many years to come?
It was in special circumstances that the Dulwich unit ran out of the funds that had been made available to it. Negotiations are taking place to ascertain whether more funds can be made available. A part of the decision was to ask—not to insist—various authorities referring patients to contribute towards the cost of treating those patients.