§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the European Community proposal to require leaflets to be provided with medicines has now been adopted; and when it will be implemented in the United Kingdom.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyEuropean Community (EC) Council directive 89/341 of 3 May 1989, among other things, introduced a requirement to provide leaflets with medicines. The content of such leaflets is still under170W consideration. The EC Commission has recently announced its intention to forward a proposal to the Council of Ministers early in the new year. It would be premature to make commitments about United Kingdom implementation in advance of negotiations and adoption by Council of the directive, but we look forward to playing a constructive part in discussions.