§ Mrs. Renée Short asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Wolverhampton, North—East on 28 July, Official Report, columns 435–6, if he will make provision to ensure that those who do not want the blood they have donated to the National Health Service to go to the private sector will have their wishes respected.
§ Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg: Blood is donated to the national blood transfusion service for the benefit of any patient who may require it. It would not be practicable for donors to stipulate the use to which their donations should be put, nor do I believe the majority would wish to do so.
§ Mrs. Renée Short asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Wolverhampton, North—East on 28 July, Official Report, c. 435–6, if he is yet able to report on the discussions he was holding with representatives of the National Health Service and the private sector with a view to introducing charges to cover the handling and processing costs incurred by the National Blood Transfusion Service in supplying blood to private hospitals and clinics.
§ Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg: The Department is currently holding discussions with representatives of the National Health Service. The views of the private sector will be sought shortly.