§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what consultation he has had with the President of the Board of Trade on the regulation of the advertising of alco-pop drinks to ensure that it is not directed at people aged under 18 years. [1802]
§ Mr. BurnsAlthough my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has not directly consulted with my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade on this issue, the Government share the concern that has been expressed about the potential appeal of these drinks to young people. We very much welcome the industry's efforts to self-regulate through the Portman Group's code of practice for the packaging, marketing and sale of such drinks. However, the Government will continue to monitor the industry's response closely. The industry must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the public that it can regulate itself effectively.
§ Mr. CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what research has been carried out to ascertain whether there is a relationship between under-age drinking and alco-pop drinks. [1801]
§ Mr. BurnsWe are aware of several recent surveys which have been reported in the national press. The Health Education Authority will also be publishing before the end of the year some research they have commissioned on young people and alcohol.
The Department of Health regularly researches teenage drinking behaviour by adding questions to the biennial survey of smoking among 11 to 15-year-olds. Results of the 1996 survey should be available by Easter 1997.