§ Dr. Evan Hams accordingly presented a Bill to provide that the organs of potential donors are available for transplant on death unless the potential donor has previously indicated a wish to the contrary: And the same was read the First time; and ordered to be read a Second time on Friday 23 October, and to be printed [Bill 242].
§ Mr. Tam Dalyell (Linlithgow)On a point of order, Madam Speaker. Following the report on organ donation in the late 1960s, which was chaired by the father of the right hon. Member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross (Mr. Maclennan), I tried on eight occasions to bring in a similar Bill to that so eloquently introduced by the hon. Member for Oxford, West and Abingdon (Dr. Harris). On the first occasion that I did so, not only did Health Ministers remain in their places, but such was the importance placed on the subject that the then Prime Minister decided that he would wait and hear what was said.
173 In the corridor afterwards, the right hon. Member for Old Bexley and Sidcup (Sir E. Heath) said to me rather laconically, "I was sympathetic to what you had to say, but I don't think you'll persuade Keith Joseph", and nor did I. Is it not a matter of etiquette on ten-minute Bills that representatives of the Department are present to hear what is said? This is a Parliament point rather than a party point. If the ten-minute Bill procedure—albeit kite-flying—is to be at all meaningful, Ministers should at least hear what is said.
§ Madam SpeakerI understand the hon. Gentleman's strong feelings on this matter. Ministers have busy schedules, and it is for them to decide whether to be present on the Front Bench on such an occasion. It is entirely a matter for Ministers.