HC Deb 13 November 2001 vol 374 c673W
22. Mr. Havard

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much of the national blood supply was used on cancer patients as part of their treatment; and, on average, how old that blood was when it was given to them, in the past 12 months. [12127]

Mr. Hutton

The National Blood Service estimates that approximately 30 per cent. of red cells collected from blood donations are given to patients with cancer-related illnesses.

All fresh blood components in the national health service are used within strict expiry dates.