§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in the light of the evidence he has received that the kidney transplant waiting list is now over 2, 200 and the subsequent pressure on renal dialysis machines, he will now set up a computer bank system of potential kidney donors; what is the latest estimated cost of such a system; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. VaughanNo. I am extremely concerned about the number of patients at present waiting for a kidney transplant, but I am not convinced that the establishment of a central computer bank of donors would increase the number of kidneys available or significantly improve the situation. The overall sum required to introduce a computerised donor system is currently estimated to be about £5 million. As regards the steps being taken by the Government to improve the position of kidney patients, I refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Exeter (Mr. Hannam) on 26 October 1981.—[Vol. 10, c.266–7.]