§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the Government's plans to ensure a sufficient supply of blood, plasma and other blood products within the National Blood Service over the millennium fortnight. [70168]
§ Mr. HuttonThe National Health Service Executive is working closely with the National Blood Authority to ensure sufficient stocks and contingency arrangements are in place. At local level health authorities and NHS trusts will be working with blood centres to plan adequate supplies for transfusion. The National Blood Authority's Bio Products Laboratory will be manufacturing and issuing sufficient supplies of blood products, which have a longer shelf life.