HC Deb 23 May 1989 vol 153 cc482-3W
20. Mr. Livingstone

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is his policy on the sale of human placenta by National Health Service hospitals.

Mr. Freeman

There is a long-standing arrangement under which health authorities can make available placenta to a commercial organisation. I understand this is used for therapeutic purposes (for example the manufacture of albumen and gamma globulin) and that a small handling charge is paid to participating health authorities to cover storage costs.