HC Deb 26 October 1995 vol 264 c790W
Ms Jowell

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many blood donations were destroyed after the recall by the National Blood Authority of blood in Tuta blood packs; [36849]

(2) what was the total amount of blood moved between transfusion centres on the evenings of 29 and 30 June to compensate for the loss of donations in Tuta packs. [36851]

Mr. Sackville

I understand from the National Blood Authority that some 7,500 units of blood were withdrawn from use following their first issue of warnings about the use of Tuta bags on 30 June. A further 2,500 were withdrawn following the further warning issued on 4 and 5 July. A daily breakdown is not available, but I understand that some 3,000 units of blood were transferred between centres from the nights of Thursday 29 June and Sunday 2 July, to maintain supplies of blood particularly in the areas most affected by the recall. All centres had adequate stocks to meet hospital demand on 4 July.

Ms Jowell

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the Medicines Control Agency will complete its investigation into the use of faulty Tuta blood packs; and if its findings will be published. [36850]

Mr. Sackville

The Medicines Control Agency has completed its investigation and copies of the report will be placed in the Library.