HC Deb 24 July 1973 vol 860 cc352-3W
Dr. Summerskill

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, in view of the fact that the kidney donor cards issued by his Department have no legal validity, he will issue cards to be signed both by the potential donor and by his next of kin.

Sir K. Joseph

Yes. The next issue of kidney donor cards will provide for this in order further to facilitate consultation with the next of kin. The card, whether in its old or its new form, is not however intended in itself to authorise the surgeon to proceed without further inquiry.