§ Mr. HanleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what is his estimate of the proportion and number of adults in Scotland that would be suitable for blood donation;
(2) what proportion and number of suitable adults give blood in Scotland;
(3) what proportion and number of suitable adults are needed to give blood to make Scotland self-sufficient in blood-derived products;
(4) whether he will consider reducing the period between permitted donations of blood to four months from six, to ease the shortage of blood and blood-derived products, and to make Scotland self-sufficient; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythScotland has been self-sufficient in blood and all normally-required blood products since the end of 1983. Approximately 300,000 blood donations are collected each year, representing about one donation per 11 persons in the age group (18 to 65-year-olds) eligible to give blood.
Individuals whose health is such that it is not safe for them to give blood are excluded from so doing. Similarly, there are restrictions on giving blood to reduce the risk of transmitting diseases—for example, malaria, hepatitis or AIDS. The total number of people who as a result are not suitable for blood donation, however, is not known.
The Scottish national blood transfusion service already accepts blood donations at 12-weekly intervals although donors are sent invitations to attend to give blood at 16-weekly or six monthly intervals, depending on local collection arrangements. Apheresis donations (in which 576W donors give a particular part of their blood and that part which is not required is returned) can be made at intervals of only a few weeks.