Alcohol: Children’s Health

Baroness Royall of Blaisdon Excerpts

Monday 3rd April 2017 Lords Chamber

[Lord O’Shaughnessy]

We are obviously looking at all aspects of alcohol control, and this has nothing to do with Brexit per se. It is worth pointing out that successive Governments’ alcohol policies have had a very positive impact on the activities of young people. Fewer young people than ever are drinking—it is fair to say that they set an example to older cohorts. However, there is more to do. Around 400 11 to 15 year-olds drink weekly. That is clearly not acceptable and we need to do more.

[Baroness Royall of Blaisdon (Lab)]

Will the Minister remind the House of what the Government’s attitude now is towards a minimum price for alcohol?

[Lord O’Shaughnessy]

The noble Baroness will know that on minimum unit pricing a court case is ongoing in Scotland, where the proposed introduction of minimum unit pricing has been challenged by the Scotch Whisky Association. We are awaiting the outcome of that court case before we move ahead.