Oral Answers to Questions

Ian C. Lucas Excerpts

Monday 9th May 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mrs May]

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising this issue, particularly given her experience as a general practitioner. I recognise the picture she paints, and I would add that half of all violent assaults are believed to be alcohol related, so there is a real issue with alcohol that we need to consider. We think there is merit in making health a material consideration under the Licensing Act 2003. The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill will make certain health bodies responsible authorities under the Act. We are talking to the Department of Health about what we might do to ensure that the health aspects of alcohol are properly taken into account.

[Ian Lucas (Wrexham) (Lab)]

Will the Government’s proposed moratorium on regulation for micro-businesses apply to these regulations?

[Mrs May]

I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question. No, it is not intended that it relate to licensing.