§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how much blood has been used by the National Health Service in Scotland in each of the past three years; and whether this represents a surplus or deficit in each case on the amount obtained from the blood transfusion service.
§ Mr. John MacKayExact information on the amount of blood used within the Scottish Health Service is not available centrally; but over the most recent three years for which figures are available the numbers of donations collected by the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service were as follows. These donations approximately matched the needs of the Scottish Health Service.
416W
Years ending 31 March No. of blood donations collected in Scotland 1979 284,184 1980 279,653 1981 286,230
§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how much was spent on importing blood products from abroad to Scotland in the last year for use by the National Health Service.
§ Mr. John MacKayIn the year ending 31 March 1981 approximately £140,000 was spent on the purchase of imported blood products.
§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Secretary of State for Scotland on how many occasions discussions have taken place between his Department and private drug companies on proposals to sell off out of date blood for the companies to recycle into reagents and blood products; if he will name the companies involved; and if he will now consider discontinuing such discussions.
§ Mr. John MacKayMy Department has had no such discussions.