Executive defends organ law move

The issue of organ donation will now be dealt with separately

The Scottish Executive has promised to devote a separate health bill to legislation on the use and misuse of organs by doctors.

The curbs were to have been put before MSPs by Christmas but were removed from a current bill to make room for the proposed smoking ban legislation.

Ministers have promised that they will now form a separate bill of their own.

Campaigners have criticised the move as they had not been consulted about it and fear it will delay reforms.

Health Minister Andy Kerr told fellow ministers during Wednesday's cabinet meeting that the separation of the issues surrounding the use of organs would allow a more focused scrutiny of the proposed legislation.

The executive said it had been in touch with those with an interest in the organ donation and retention issue.

Review group

It added that they had understood the reasons for the changes and fears of a lengthy delay had been allayed.

A spokeswoman explained that a review group on organ retention had initially recommended the subject be dealt with under a separate legal process.

She said: "We are absolutely committed to bringing forward a separate bill, in line with the recommendations.

"And if there is a delay, we will minimise that as much as we can."

The new legislation was signalled in March by Mr Kerr's predecessor, Malcolm Chisholm.