asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he proposes to improve facilities for renal dialysis in south Wales; and if he will make a statement.

I am pleased to announce that, following the establishment of subsidiary renal dialysis units at Carmarthen and Bangor to improve access to renal dialysis for patients in those areas, two further units are to be established. Following consultation with Gwent, Mid Glamorgan and South Glamorgan health authorities and an appraisal of the options presented by them, I have decided that subsidiary renal dialysis units should be provided at the University hospital of Wales, Cardiff and at Prince Charles hospital, Merthyr Tydfil. When operational they will improve the service to patients in south-east Wales, provided at present by the main renal unit at Cardiff royal infirmary. The costs of the units will be funded by the Welsh Office and each will have five dialysis stations.I intend that the units will be established as soon as possible. Invitations to tender for the construction and running of them will be extended to South and Mid Glamorgan district health authorities, experienced voluntary organisations and private sector companies.This development, together with the "Lifeline Wales" project which was launched last year with the support of the Welsh Office to increase the awareness of the value of organ donations and to encourage kidney transplantation