§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what controls exist over the use of additives in medicines; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyAll ingredients of medicines are controlled under the Medicines Act 1968 and 457W appropriate directives of the European Community (EC). In particular, colouring matters which may be added to medicinal products are listed in Council directive 78/25/EEC, amended by directive 81/464/EEC. Copies of the directives are in the Library. Current proposals by the EC Commission for an amending directive on medicines labels and leaflets provide for fuller information about excipients (ingredients included for formulation reasons and not intended to be active).