Written question asked by Lord Pearson of Rannoch (UK Independence Party), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Earl Howe (Conservative) on Monday, 27 September 2010.

Health: Alternative Medicine

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, in view of European Union legislation, acupuncturists and herbal and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners will be able to continue to practise after April 2011.

Answer: European directive 2001/83/EC, as amended by the directive on traditional herbal medicinal products (directive 2004/24/EC), does not prevent acupuncturists, herbal practitioners and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners from continuing to practise after April 2011. However, the directive confirms that, following expiry of transitional protection in April 2011, manufactured herbal medicines placed on the market are required to have either a marketing authorisation or traditional herbal registration. This issue was explored in the Department of Health consultation on whether, and if so how, to regulate these practitioners. This consultation closed on 16 November 2009, with 6,669 responses. The Government are now assessing the responses to that consultation before making a decision on the best way to take this matter forward.

Secondary information