§ Ms PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what response she has made to the publication by the European Community Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products of a list of herbs which have been banned in other European countries; if she will make it her policy to oppose any such ban on products containing these common herbs in this country; and to ensure that right hon. and hon. Members are kept informed of such proposals emanating from the different agencies of the European Community.
§ Mr. SackvilleNo response was called for, and none has been made. The list is simply a factual record, for information, of herbs that have already been withdrawn from medicinal products for safety reasons in one or more member states. We are not aware of any current proposals for further action in the European Community.
The Government's policy on the licensing of medicinal products is that they must demonstrate acceptable standards of safety, quality and efficacy. This will continue to be applied.