Nick Pahl, chief executive of the BAcC, said: 'The written ministerial statement from the Secretary of State for Health, Mr Andrew Lansley, has been welcomed by the BAcC. The BAcC has been at the forefront of promoting best practice in acupuncture for many years and is committed to ensuring all patients receive the highest standard of professional care during their acupuncture treatment. BAcC members are bound by the Code of Safe Practice which sets benchmark standards for best practice.

'As a major provider of care in the UK, over the longer term the BAcC wants to see the Government working to develop stronger partnerships with local acupuncturists who, as experts in their field, understand how to meet the many needs of the communities they serve.'

The BAcC is also encouraged by the Minister's move to implementing statutory regulation for herbal medicine and the practice of Chinese medicine.

You can read the written ministerial statement from the Department of Health here