§ 90. Dame Irene Wardasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, before licensing certain private nursing homes as suitable for abortions, he consulted professional associations representing pathologists, anaesthetists and gynaecologists in order to ensure that they were satisfied with the facilities available for blood transfusion; if he has examined the correspondence sent to him by the hon. Member for Tynemouth from the consultant pathologist from Guy's Hospital; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CrossmanMy approval has been given in the light of the individual circumstances of each home and on the basis of advice received from the consultant advisers to my Department on the arrangements necessary for the supply of blood in emergencies.
The Answer to the second part of the Question is "Yes". Under the National Health Service Act 1946 I may make supplies of blood available to medical practitioners who require them in case of emergency. Such supplies are accordingly provided through hospital boards to doctors in private nursing homes.