PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
TRADITIONAL HERBAL MEDICINAL PRODUCTS DIRECTIVE (23 November 2005)

That this House notes that the Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive is now being implemented in the United Kingdom and that it permits the registration of herbal medicinal products which can demonstrate their safety and presence on the market for 30 years at least, 15 of which must have been in the European Union; observes that whilst this legislation may provide a safe legislative home for many such products in the future it nevertheless imposes substantial costs upon herbal medicines manufacturers; appreciates that these costs are proportionately higher for smaller companies which often supply more specialist and complex products; and urges Ministers and the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency to continue to work closely with the industry to ensure that practical solutions are found in order to minimise burdens upon business and maintain consumer choice without compromising safety.

Sponsored by:
Austin Mitchell (Labour)