What benefits would be gained by introducing a bill on organ retention and transplantation separately from the Health Service (Miscellaneou…

The decision to have a separate bill on these subjects was a direct response to concerns expressed by the Parliament and the Health and Community Care Committee about the size and complexity of the proposed Miscellaneous Provisions Bill. Making these important and sensitive issues the subject of a dedicated Bill gives Parliament and the Committee the proper time to focus on them. This reflects the approach adopted at Westminster in the Human Tissue Act there, and is also in line with the recommendations of the Review Group on Retention of Organs at Post-Mortem and the Scottish Transplant Group. I am sure we will have the best possible provisions as a result of our decision on the way this legislation should be handled.