HC Deb 05 August 1975 vol 897 cc174-5W
35. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for the Social Services what response she has had to her latest circular on the transplant of human organs and the need for more matching tissue.

Dr. Owen

The guidance circular on the Human Tissue Act 1961 was issued to National Health Service authorities on 12th June. Also, the Chief Medical Officer sent a letter on 17th June to all hospital doctors asking for their help in increasing the number of kidneys available for transplantation. The Chief Nursing Officer wrote similarly on 25th June to all regional, area and district nursing officers. It is too soon to attempt to attribute results to the letters. However, my hon. Friend will be pleased to know that June 1975 was a record month for kidney transplantation, when 74 kidneys were transplanted in the United Kingdom.