HC Deb 09 December 1975 vol 902 cc142-3W
21. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will make a statement on the latest figures for the shortage of kidneys available for transplant.

Dr. Owen

589 kidneys were transplanted in the 12 months to the end of October. This is an increase of 13 per cent. over the preceding 12 months.

The present aim is to increase the total to about 1,000 a year and I would welcome a faster rate of increase towards that target. But I have often made it clear that progress is largely in the hands of physicians and surgeons who are in a position to know of possible donors and I told my hon. Friend in my reply to him on 5th August of the steps we were then taking including a letter from the chief medical officer to all hospital doctors.—[Vol. 897, c. 174–5.]