HC Deb 14 March 1980 vol 980 cc729-30W
Mr. Ray Powell

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many kidney machines are in use now; what was the number in the years 1974 to 1979; and how many more will be put into operation in the current year.

Dr. Vaughan

Information on the total number of kidney machines in use or on order is not collected centrally, although it is estimated that approximately 2,500 kidney machines are available in England and Wales. The number of patients treated on kidney machines in England and Wales increased in the years 1974 to 1978—the latest date for which figures are available—at an annual rate of about 10 per cent.