HC Deb 19 March 1997 vol 292 cc641-2W
Ms Lynne

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions his Department has held with(a) the Portman Group, (b) other organisations representing the alcohol industry and (c) health organisations, on the marketing of alcoholic soft drinks; and if he will make a statement. [20870]

Mr. Burns

Officials have regular meetings with the Portman Group and health organisations. Alcoholic soft drinks are often discussed. We welcomed the industry's efforts to self-regulate through the Portman Group's code of practice for the packaging, marketing and sale of alcoholic drinks.

Ms Lynne

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department intend to take to regulate the marketing of alcoholic soft drinks. [20925]

Mr. Burns

The Government share the concern expressed about the potential appeal of such drinks to young people. We believe the alcoholic drinks industry must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the public that it can regulate itself satisfactorily. We warmly welcome the Portman Group's code of practice for the packaging and marketing of these drinks. However, we will continue to monitor how the code works in practice.

Ms Lynne

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans his Department has to take action to restrict the sale to minors of kits which can convert soft drinks into alcoholic soft drinks. [20924]

Mr. Burns

These products are covered by the provisions of the food labelling regulations and must be clearly labelled so as not to mislead consumers about their nature. We are not convinced that restrictions on the sale of these kits to children is the right approach. Use of such kits involves a number of detailed processes which would in practice need to take place in the home. As with other potential risks of this sort, it is up to parents to exercise supervision over their children to avoid them getting into danger.