§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what initiatives his Department is currently supporting to reduce the level of alcohol consumption by those aged under 16 years. [57885]
§ Mr. George HowarthThe Ministerial Group on Alcopops, which I chair, issued a statement on 17 July 1997, setting out a programme of action to tackle alcohol misuse by those under age. The programme included a strengthened industry code of practice on packaging and promoting alcoholic drinks, an expanded industry proof of age card scheme, action by the courts and police to help prevent under-age sales and legislation to make it harder for children to obtain alcohol. We are currently considering the progress made and expect to announce our conclusions later this month.