§ 80. Mr. Knox Cunninghamasked the Minister of Health his plans for the creation of a deep-freeze bank of cornea for corneal grafting; and if he will make a statement on the present position with regard to corneal grafting in the United Kingdom.
103W
§ Mr. TurtonI am advised that normally corneae cannot yet be preserved by deep-freeze methods in a condition which gives a reasonable chance of permanent restoration of vision after grafting.
Corneal grafting is done at a number of centres in England and Wales, with eyes obtained mainly from patients who die in hospital. Most centres can obtain enough eyes, and further attempts are being made to improve supplies at the two largest.