HL Deb 07 June 1999 vol 601 c122WA
Lord Pearson of Rannoch

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Answer by the Lord Hunt of Kings Heath on 11 May (H.L. Deb., col. 1089) whether they or the Medicines Control Agency have consulted with (a) Consumers of Health Choice, (b) The National Association of Health Stores or (c) The Health Food Manufacturers' Association about membership of the proposed new Independent Advisory Panel; and, if not, why not. [HL2749]

Baroness Hayman

Officials at the Medicines Control Agency (MCA) sent a copy of the consultation letter to Consumers for Health Choice and the National Association of Health Stores on 12 May 1999, and to the Health Food Manufacturers' Association on 21 May 1999.

When consulting interested parties on matters relating to medicines, the MCA considers which organisations are most likely to be affected by the particular proposals under consultation. The Independent Review Panel currently subject to consultation will consider written representations from companies in relation to medicines advertising under the advertising regulations. The panel will not be responsible for the review of advertising of dietary supplements of unlicensed herbal remedies, as such products are not subject to the Medicines (Advertising) Regulations. I refer the noble Lord to the reply I gave to Baroness Wharton on 26 April 1999 at col. WA14.