Mr. David Adamsasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that thousands of lives have been saved by blood stored for transfusion purposes in the Spanish war; whether he is exploring the possibilities of the storage of blood in this country for transfusion in case of war; and whether he will consider, in the event of this being adopted, if the donating of blood for storage purposes might be officially recognised as a form of national service?
1962W
§ Mr. ElliotI am aware that the transfusion of stored blood has been extensively adopted in Spain and my advisers are in touch with the arrangements for blood transfusion which are proposed in this country by the British Red Cross Society and the hospitals. The valuable services rendered by blood donors are greatly appreciated but I am not sure what form of official recognition the hon. Member has in mind and perhaps he will communicate with me.