§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied that the blood transfusion service will be able to meet the demand for blood in the future; and whether he is taking steps to increase donations to it.
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§ Dr. VaughanThe number of blood donations collected by the National Blood Transfusion Service has risen steadily each year. I am confident the service will continue to meet the demand for blood, and regional health authorities are currently being consulted about a major expansion of the Service to enable it to increase the amount of blood plasma it supplies to the Blood Products Laboratory. The Department will continue to play an active role in promoting national publicity to supplement regional blood transfusion centres' local campaigns to attract donors.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much has been spent in each of the last five years on advertising for donors to the blood transfusion service; and if there are plans for a national advertising programme to be launched in the near future to encourage people to become donors.
§ Dr. VaughanI shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.