REVIEW OF THE TRADITIONAL HERBAL MEDICINAL PRODUCTS DIRECTIVE

That this House notes that theimplementation of the Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive on 30 April 2011 risks orphaning hundreds of safe and popular herbal remedies whose manufacturers are unable to meet the cost of compliance with the new legislation; observes with concern the substantial impact this will have on many small specialist manufacturers and specialist retailers as well as on consumer choice; appreciates that it is now too late in the day to avoid the introduction of this measure in accordance with the UK's obligations to the European Union; but calls on the Government to work closely with the National Association of Health Stores, Consumers for Health Choice and organisations representing specialist manufacturers to monitor the impact of this legislation and to commit to a review after 12 months on the effects it has had on the range of products on the market.