§ Mrs. Chalkerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what consideration he has given to initiating a scheme of body donor cards, similar to kidney donor cards, allowing the medical use of different parts of a deceased person's body; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoyleI do not think that there is a need for such a card at present. Kidneys and corneas are the only organs which are routinely used for transplantation and thus publicity is concentrated or them. Other human tissues—for example, pituitary glands, which are needed for forms of treatment and diagnosis—may be removed during post mortem examinations and authority for their removal may be sought at the same time as that for the post mortem. A person may, however, amend a kidney donor card to cover other or all organs if required.