§ 44. Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many corneas were removed from patients in hospitals administered by the North West Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board in the last 12 months; if a register has been maintained which gives the names of the consultant doing a corneal graft and his 323W patient; if within his terms of service a consultant may export or sell corneas; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir K. Joseph320; a register giving the name of consultant and patient has been maintained. Though this is not a matter specifically dealt with in the terms and conditions of service of consultants, there is no question of selling corneas.
§ 45. Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will place in the Library the advice given by his Department about the use of eyes of deceased patients for corneal grafting; what further steps he proposes to take to prevent pressurising of the relatives who have been bereaved; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir K. JosephThe advice is contained in circular HM (61) 98, a copy of which I am placing in the Library.
I would deplore any suggestion of undue pressure being brought to bear on the relatives of deceased patients and if the hon. Member has any particular case in mind and will send me details, I shall look into it.
§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if the available supply of eyes needed for corneal grafting is adequate to the demand in each of the regions administered by hospital boards.
§ Sir K. JosephI have no detailed information, but I have had no representation to suggest that overall the supply is inadequate.