§ Mr. GalbraithTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has on the supply of placentas by the national health service to(a) national health service and university research departments and (b) private companies; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Allan StewartArrangements for the supply of placentae from NHS hospitals to research departments of the NHS and universities or private companies are the responsibility of individual health hoards. Information on the disposal of placentae is not held centrally.
§ Mr. GalbraithTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what guidance he has given to health boards on the disposal of placentas after childbirth; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Allan StewartPlacentae are regarded as clinical waste. Guidance produced by the Health and Safety Commission and issued to health boards in June 1982 by the Scottish home and health department requires that placentae should be placed in a suitable bag or bin and incinerated.