Alcohol

Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town Excerpts

Thursday 2nd February 2012 Lords Chamber

[Earl Howe]

My Lords, my noble friend is ahead of me, and I will have to write to her.

[Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town]

My Lords, has the Minister seen the letter today from the churches and charities to the Prime Minister asking that there should be a minimum price on alcohol? Will he agree with that recommendation and do that rather than rely on the industry in this case?

[Earl Howe]

My Lords, as I have already said, we recognise that the irresponsible sale of alcohol at a loss or heavy discount is undesirable. We know that price is important in this equation but we also know that it is not the only factor that affects demand for alcohol. We need to find ways to change people’s relationship and behaviours with alcohol. We do not believe that the only way to do this is by more rules and regulations but the issue of price will be addressed in the forthcoming alcohol strategy.