HC Deb 03 July 1986 vol 100 cc637-8W
Mrs. Renee Short

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what response he will make to the British Medical Association's request for health warnings on cans and bottles of alcohol and on advertisements for the same.

Mr. Whitney

The Government have considered the possibility of introducing health hazard warnings for alcoholic drinks and taken the view that this would not be appropriate as it is the misuse, not the use, of alcohol which causes harm. As an aid to consumers measures have just been agreed in the European Community which will require the alcoholic strength to be indicated on the labels of all alcoholic drinks containing more than 1.2 per cent. of alcohol by volume.