§ Mr. Windsorasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that in many important towns no efficient panel of blood donors, grouped according to their blood categories, has been prepared; and whether steps will be taken to ensure that every citizen shall be afforded blood test facilities, so that in the event of he or she becoming a casualty, the blood-group of such person shall be readily ascertainable by reference to particulars entered on his or her identity card or disc, and thus expedite the work of blood transfusion?
Mr. M. MacDonaldThe Government has encouraged by financial assistance the grouping of blood donors in large provincial centres, in order to meet additional demands for blood arising from air-raid casualties. If the hon. Member has in mind any particular respect in which the arrangements are not considered satisfactory in any particular important town, I should be glad to have information so that inquiry can be made. I am advised that the grouping suggested in the latter 673W part of the Question is unnecessary, because many donors are of the universal type suitable for giving blood to patients of any group, and these donors alone are used in blood storage schemes.
Mr. Rostron Duckworthasked the Minister of Health whether sufficient supplies of blood for transfusion have now been guaranteed; and, if not, whether he can make a detailed statement on the subject to ensure adequate public response?
Mr. MacDonaldSpecial measures have been taken in the London area and a number of large provincial centres to obtain a sufficient supply of blood for transfusion, and I have no reason to think that the general position is unsatisfactory.