§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what criteria govern the sale by Scottish health authorities of unifected placenta for the purpose of cosmetic research; whether the knowledge or consent of the women involved is required; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Allan StewartUnless a patient has indicated otherwise, placentae will be treated by hospitals as clinical waste and it is for health boards to decide on the appropriate arrangements for disposal. In some cases placentae are collected by pharmaceutical companies who use these to produce immunoglobulin but I am not aware of placentae being used other than for medical purposes. I shall ask health boards to ensure that the disposal arrangements meet with the agreement of the patient.