THE response from the public health minister Michael Matheson to a question on adopting an opt-out system for organ donation is disappointing.

Yes, the current strategy has grown the numbers on the register and led to an increase in transplants, but still people are dying while they wait for a suitable match.

The object of the Evening Times Opt for Life campaign, backed by many health charities and practitioners, is to increase it even further so that fewer people die.

Mr Matheson said he wanted to build on the good progress the Government has made and we agree entirely.

Where we differ is we want to follow the example of Wales and other European countries where opt- out, with the required safeguards, has been successful.

Mr Matheson is also out of step with most of the Scottish Parliament, as a majority of backbench MSPs either supported a motion or signed the Evening Times petition on the issue.

They will have the opportunity to turn that support into action when Anne McTaggart introduces her Member's Bill and we trust they will take it.