§ Mr. Brothertonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what reduction in the intake of blood into the transfusion service there has been since 4 March of the current year;
(2) what plans he has to ensure that the intake of blood into the transfusion service reverts to normal during industrial action undertaken by National Health Service workers.
§ Mr. MoyleInformation on the reduction in the intake of blood into the transfusion service since 4 March is not held centrally. However, I am satisfied that sufficient supplies of blood are available to maintain all emergency services and in most parts of the country blood supplies are at normal level. If there are any difficulties over blood supplies, it is, in the first instance, for local National Health Service management to resolve these locally with the staff and trade unions concerned; if such discussions fail, my Department is ready to take the matter up with trade union officers at national level.