HC Deb 09 April 1984 vol 58 cc126-7W
Mr. Kennedy

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the estimated average cost to the National Health Service for donating one pint of blood to private medicine.

Mr. John Patten

The handling charge, introduced from 1 April 1984, to cover the cost of supplying each unit of blood (approximately 0.75 pint) to non-NHS hospitals is £19.75. This charge does not include any element for the blood itself which is, of course, freely donated.

Mr. Kennedy

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many pints of blood donated to the National Health Service have been provided for use in private medicine since May 1979.

Mr. John Patten

I refer the hon. Member to my right hon. and learned Friend's reply of 11 November 1983 to the hon. Member for Holborn and St. Pancras (Mr. Dobson) at column254. Corresponding figures for 1983 are not yet available.