§ Mr. Ray Powellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many kidney 730W machines are in use now; what was the number in the years 1974 to 1979; and how many more will be put into operation in the current year.
§ Dr. VaughanInformation on the total number of kidney machines in use or on order is not collected centrally, although it is estimated that approximately 2,500 kidney machines are available in England and Wales. The number of patients treated on kidney machines in England and Wales increased in the years 1974 to 1978—the latest date for which figures are available—at an annual rate of about 10 per cent.