§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what his policy is towards the traditional medicines directive. [24661]
§ Jacqui Smith[holding answer 8 January 2002]: On the basis of preliminary drafts of the proposals, we would see a directive on traditional medicines as a potential opportunity to put in place a legally secure and appropriate regulatory regime for traditional herbal remedies of the kind currently sold as unlicensed herbal remedies under Section 12(2) of the Medicines Act 1968. A regime of this kind would give the public better assurances as to safety and quality as well as providing systematic information about the use of the product. Manufacturers would be able to make agreed minor claims based on traditional use. We understand that the commission will be bringing forward formal proposals shortly. We will wish to scrutinise carefully the detailed provisions of the proposals once they are available.