HL Deb 05 March 2003 vol 645 c111WA
Lord Vivian

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether there will be sufficient blood stocks available at field hospitals if the United Kingdom should enter the Gulf theatre of battle. [HL1676]

Lord Bach

The provision of blood and blood products to the Armed Forces is the responsibility of the Defence Medical Supplies Agency, which obtains all necessary requirements from the National Blood Service in England. Arrangements are in place to ensure that all anticipated requirements will be met. In extremis, the Defence Medical Services has a limited capability to draw blood from soldiers in theatre. No decision to commence military action has been made.