§ Mr. Maxtonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will ensure that in times of any shortage of blood the needs of National Health Service patients will be paramount in use of blood given in Scotland.
§ Mr. John MacKayYes.
§ Mr. Maxtonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland on what date it is proposed to commence levying charges on blood supplied to private hospitals in Scotland.
§ Mr. John MacKayThe Common Services Agency for the Scottish Health Service will be entering into contracts with all private hospitals in Scotland which use blood; the first such contract has been agreed and charging has begun under it.
§ Mr. Maxtonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps are to be taken to monitor the supply of blood to private hospitals in Scotland so that units are not sold at a profit to patients.
§ Mr. John MacKayAll agreements entered into between the Common Services Agency and private hospitals for the supply of blood will stipulate that the blood is not to be sold to patients.