HL Deb 20 October 1994 vol 558 c13WA
Lord Colwyn

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, as suggested by clinical studies highlighted by the Arterial Health Foundation giving blood is beneficial to health; and if so, why, when there is a national shortage of blood, the arbitrary age limit for donors, set in 1946, remains at 65.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Baroness Cumberlege)

Blood donation needs to be safe for the donor. As people become older the incidence of cardiovascular disease increases and risks to the donor over the age of 65 start to become significant. In special circumstances established donors may give blood up to 70 years of age.