§ Lord Colwynasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have any plans for legislation relating to dietary supplements; whether any such legislation would be subject to approval by the European Commission; and whether they have held consultations with manufacturers and users of dietary supplements in the United Kingdom.
§ The Earl of Strathmore and KinghorneThe European Commission intend to introduce a directive on dietary supplements and any new UK legislation will be determined by that directive. Last year the Government published a report of an interdepartmental working group of officials on dietary supplements and health foods which reviewed various options for strengthening legislation. Initial consultations on this report have already been held and there will be further discussions with industry and consumer groups during the course of negotiations on the Community directive.