HL Deb 04 February 1988 vol 492 c1274WA
Lord Colwyn

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What actions are being taken by the DHSS to consult appropriate United Kingdom bodies who are interested in (a) the draft directive on homoeopathic products and (b) the review of controls on herbal medicine, and what procedures have been laid down for consultation by the DHSS with these bodies when EC policy is being formulated.

Lord Colwyn

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Through what channels the DHSS are taking steps to protect the interests of patients who choose to use natural medicines (herbal. homoeopathic, biochemic and anthroposophic) during the formulation of the legislative changes required by the EC for full harmonisation in 1992.

Lord Skelmersdale

The Commission of the European Community has not yet met a commitment to submit to the Council of Ministers a proposal for a directive on homoeopathic products. The text of a draft directive submitted to the Council as a basis for discussion would be communicated to UK interests and laid before Parliament in the normal way. Present European Community pharmaceutical directives apply to proprietary herbal medicines and the appropriate expert group in the European Community is considering guidelines—not having the force of a directive—for the quality of herbal remedies. This has reached the stage of consultation with national authorities and offices of the department have been in contact with UK herbal interests.