Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Anne Milton and Alison McGovern

Tuesday 25th January 2011 Commons Chamber

[Anne Milton]

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his question. There is no doubt that price is one of the tools to which I referred. However, we need to take a huge number of actions. Reforming the Licensing Act 2003 via the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill will bring in a number of measures—for instance, doubling the fines for under-age alcohol sales to £20,000 and giving councils and the police the power to shut permanently shops or bars that persistently sell alcohol to children. That is one other way. Also, the Bill will make local health bosses responsible authorities for licensing decisions. That is an important shift and demonstrates the fact that this is everybody’s problem—no one public body can cure this on its own.

[Alison McGovern (Wirral South) (Lab)]

7. What recent representations he has received on his plans for the internal reorganisation of the NHS; and if he will make a statement.