HC Deb 09 March 1982 vol 19 cc717-8
23. Mr. Douglas

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will establish a national coordination scheme for the availability of kidneys for transplant operation.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

The supply of kidneys is already co-ordinated by the United Kingdom transplant service, which is centrally funded by the Health Departments.

Mr. Douglas

Does the Minister accept that the rate of demand, which is 3:1 in current terms, means that allowing the demand for this commodity to be determined by ability to pay is an obscenity? Will he take steps to ensure that need is the criterion and not ability to pay?

Mr. Clarke

Of course the Government wish to do everything possible to increase the supply of kidneys to patients awaiting such operations. The major inhibition has been the reluctance of the medical profession to begin the suitable procedures when it has a potential donor in its care. I am glad to say that the supply of kidneys is beginning to increase again and I hope that we can find ways of getting nearer to matching the demand.

Mr. Pavitt

Will the Minister give more publicity to the international co-ordination of the availability of kidneys? Is he aware that, thanks to the computer at Bristol, kidneys are being flown in from Stockholm, Bonn and all over the world? Is he further aware that the general public do not realise that the National Health Service initiative has done a marvellous job for those who suffer from renal failure?

Mr. Clarke

The computer at Bristol belongs to he United Kingdom transplant service, to which I referred. The Government will do everything possible to respond to any reasonable suggestions that will make it easier to produce the kidneys needed by the many patients now on the waiting list.