HC Deb 19 March 1996 vol 274 cc160-1W
Mr. David Nicholson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research he has commissioned regarding the consumption of alcoholic lemonades by under-age drinkers; and what representations he has received regarding(a) such studies and (b) the prohibition of the manufacture and sale of alcoholic lemonades. [9462]

Mr. Maclean

Although no research has been commissioned by my Department into the consumption of alcoholic lemonades by under-age drinkers, concerns that these drinks may provide a temptation for children to start drinking have been expressed in letters from members of the public on general law and order issues. We welcome reports that the Portman group, set up by the eight leading United Kingdom drinks companies to promote sensible drinking and reduce alcohol misuse, are considering a code of practice to its industry members on the use of names that include, for example, lemonade, cola or other soft drinks.

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