That this House takes note of European Union document No. 13361/01, Commission Report on the experience gained as a result of the operation of the procedures for granting marketing authorisations for medicinal products and No. 14591/01, draft Regulation laying down Community procedures for the authorisation and supervision of medicinal products for human and veterinary use and establishing a European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products, and draft Directives amending Directives 2001/83/EC and 2001/82/EC on the Community codes relating to medicinal products for human use and veterinary medicinal products; supports the Government's position of broad agreement to the proposed amendments, and the overall aims of the Review; supports the Government's ongoing work with Member States to build on the current system of medicines regulation to ensure it continues to contribute to the protection of human and animal health, also to promote the further development of a single market in pharmaceuticals, prepare the regulatory regime for enlargement, and provide a competitive environment for the pharmaceutical industry; notes European Union Document No. 6240/02, draft Directive amending Directive 2001/83/EC as regards traditional herbal medicinal products for human use; and supports the Government's position of broad agreement to the proposed amendments in order to achieve a regulatory regime for traditional herbal medicines which improves public health protection while maintaining consumer choice.—[Mr. Heppell.]

The House divided: Ayes 283, Noes 111.

Question accordingly agreed to.