§ 66. Mr. John H. Osbornasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether steps have been taken to ensure adequate quantities of Factor VIII for haemophiliacs in each regional health authority: and whether she is satisfied with the way it is being made available to those who need it.
§ 67. Sir Bernard Braineasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what progress has been made in increasing the production of Factor VIII for the better treatment of haemophiliac patients within the National Health Service; and what are the present arrangments for ensuring that this drug is available to all who need it.
§ Dr. OwenI recognise that at present not enough Factor VIII in the form of anti-haemophilic globulin (AHG) concentrate is produced within the NHS but, as I informed the hon. Member for Sheffield, Hallam (Mr. Osborn) on 6th May—[Vol. 891, c.402]—I have allocated additional funds so that regional blood transfusion centres can provide more plasma for increased production of this material. I hope that the first effects of the steps we have taken will be felt by the end of this year and that the National Health Service will be self-sufficient in this material within two to three years.