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Complementary and alternative medicine: House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology 6th report [session 1999-00]

This Inquiry was held to consider questions of significance for public health policy raised by the increased use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in the UK and the developed world. The report does not consider the clinical efficacy of particular products or therapies but covers questions relating to use, regulation, training, research and NHS provision. The main conclusions of the report are that: the evidence base for many of these therapies is weak and robust research into their efficacy is needed; the regulatory framework should be stronger to ensure that practitioners are properly trained and supervised; only well regulated therapies should be provided by the NHS and then only through a referral from a GP; there is a need for information and more effective guidance for the public. The Committee urges that legislative avenues be explored to better control the unregulated herbal sector.