Alternative practitioners back move to tighten law

And the move has been welcomed by Scottish medical herbalists who hope the plan will pave the way for similar regulation north of the Border.

Many herbalists fear they will be forced to close down if Holyrood fails to introduce statutory regulation as for other healthcare professionals. If they remain unregulated, there is the real danger that herbal medicines would have ended up being sold by unqualified operators, putting people at risk and making herbal dispensaries a thing of the past.

Herbal practitioner, Keren Brynes Maclean, who runs Health Food & More in Kirkcaldy, Fife, said: "We welcome this announcement, although because it is a devolved issue, Mr Burnham needs to work with the Scottish Government to take this forward.

"We also need to see the fine print of how the new regulation will work and have more information on the regulating body that will be appointed.

"We also intend to insist on full status for herbalists as recognised medical professionals."

Mr Burnham said he was "minded to legislate" so all practitioners supplying unlicensed medicines had to register with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC).

Further talks would be held with the council, professional bodies and devolved governments before a decision is made on changing the law.

Mr Burnham said: "Emerging evidence clearly demonstrates that the public needs better protection, but in a way that is measured and does not place unreasonable extra burdens on practitioners."