HC Deb 29 July 1997 vol 299 cc125-6W
Mr. Blizzard

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made towards(a) the establishment of a national skin bank and (b) the inclusion of skin on donor cards. [10765]

Mr. Boateng

Recent research has shown that most people do not like the idea of putting "skin", "bone" or other specified tissues—as distinct from internal organs—on the donor card or national health service organ donor register form because of fears about disfigurement of the body. However, we are very much aware that in the sensitive area of transplantation approaches to donation must command public confidence. We shall continue to review all aspects of organ and tissue donation to see how improvements in supply may be achieved.