§ 21. David Taylor(Lab/ Co-op) (North-West Leicestershire)What work the strategy unit has carried out on the social aspects of alcohol consumption. [152263]
§ The Minister for the Cabinet Office and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. Douglas Alexander)The Prime Minister's strategy unit published art interim analytical report on the harms associated with alcohol misuse on 19 September last year. The findings of the report are being used to inform the development of the Government's alcohol harm reduction strategy, which will be published shortly.
§ David TaylorGiven that the recent youth lifestyles survey revealed that only one in three under 18-year-olds who try to buy alcohol is refused, and that in 2002 just 162 people were convicted or cautioned in respect of under-age sales, should not our national alcohol harm reduction strategy involve a more rigorous approach to law enforcement and the provision of more alcohol-free places in which younger teenagers can enjoy themselves? I am thinking, for example, of the Hub, in Ashby de la Zouch, of which I am a patron. It was officially opened last Friday and it would benefit from a ministerial visit.
§ Mr. AlexanderI shall certainly bear in mind that invitation and pass it on directly to the sponsor Minister 620 who is developing this project. My hon. Friend raises a very important point. One reason why we wanted to undertake this study is the correlation between alcohol use and violent crime; indeed, criminal justice is one of the areas that are being explored. The study has not been published so I cannot go into detail, but I can assure my hon. Friend that it will address education and communication—issues of particular interest to younger people—health and treatment, supply and pricing, delivery, and the issues of community safety and criminal justice that he raises.
§ Miss Anne McIntosh(Con) (Vale of York)Will the Minister undertake to place a copy of the study in the House of Commons Library once it is published, and will he consider authorising a similar study on the social aspects of cannabis use and its potential for causing road accidents?
§ Mr. AlexanderOf course the study will be published, and I shall pass on the hon. Lady's views directly to the Minister in charge of sponsoring it. Consideration will be given to what studies should be undertaken by the strategy unit in due course, but I have certainly noted the point that the hon. Lady raises.