Drink

IT is said that we are good at exporting alcohol and the means to cure its effects — pharmaceuticals. Both largely true, particularly in the case of drink — from Scotch whisky to London's driest gin we are world leaders in the export of liquid cheer, only back at home sometimes things are a little less than rosy.

It is estimated that around 22,000 people die every year as a result of alcohol consumption with around 70% of visits to Accident and Emergency departments resulting from excess consumption.

There are 700,000 children living with an alcohol-dependent adult. In Devon and Cornwall it is reckoned that a third of violent crime is attributed to alcohol. Sixty medical conditions are related to drinking and the cost to the NHS is a staggering £20-billion a year. One in four deaths amongst young people can be attributed to drinking.

There will be no quick fixes to these challenges but one approach that I believe Government must adopt is to tackle the widespread availability of absurdly cheap alcohol (such as high strength ciders available in supermarkets). Often this is sold at below cost price and I believe that this should be banned.

The consequences would be to reduce the level of irresponsible drinking, including that amongst young people in our villages and towns, and it would also have the effect of protecting and supporting the sale of alcohol in our pubs where it is more often consumed responsibly.

I have been running a campaign within the constituency over the last few months urging the Chancellor to reduce duty on pub sales and to make it illegal to sell alcohol at below cost-price. If you would like to support my campaign or let me know your thoughts on this important issue please contact me at [email protected]">[email protected]