§ Mr. Lyellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is satisfied with the system in operation for the recovery from corpses, collection and distribution for medical purposes of pituitary glands; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeYes. The circumstances under which pituitary glands and other organs and tissue may be collected are set out in the Human Tissue Act 1961. Our Department arranges a national collection of pituitary glands for the extraction of human growth hormone which is used to treat children of abnormally short stature. In May 1982 the Department reminded health authorities of the requirements of the Act and their responsibilities in relation to the removal of pituitary glands. This Department monitors closely the collection and treatment programmes.