§ Mr. ThurnhamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received about the willingness of people to become kidney donors; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanWe receive frequent representations on organ donation from a wide range of individuals and organisations. On 16 November 1989 I chaired a seminar on ways of improving the voluntary donation of organs. 737W The transcript is now available and I have placed copies in the Library; my letter which accompanies the transcript sets out the action that is in hand.
Discussions at the seminar illustrated both the complexity of the subject and the diversity of views on the best way forward. The initiatives we have already taken should, however, continue to produce results for a considerable time, and we do not propose to make any major changes in policy at present.
Two initiatives of particular importance are the first national audit of potential donors in intensive care units, and the organ donation publicity programme. Both were discussed in some detail at the seminar. The audit and other recent studies have raised a number of medical issues which could significantly affect the potential for organ donation. Professional bodies are addressing these issues. We have expanded the Department's publicity budget, from approximately £50,000 four years ago to about £200,000 per annum today. The transcript gives details of the ways in which the money has been spent, and our plans for 1990–91.