Scotland Bill

Debate between Lord Field of Birkenhead and Ann McKechin

Tuesday 21st June 2011 Commons Chamber

[Ann McKechin]

The supermarkets might well have supported minimum pricing because they would receive a good degree of financial benefit from it. However, some medical experts said that on the evidence, the price per unit would have to be a great deal higher than that proposed by the Scottish Government to have an impact. As I said, although the increase in the excise duty escalator, which the UK Labour Government introduced, has had an impact south of the border in reducing consumption, it has not had the same impact in Scotland. Price sensitivity seems to be different north and south of the border, and there are different patterns of consumption. The focus must be on cultural and social values as much as on simple economic values.

On that basis, there are considerable complexities in any such proposals. The Government’s proposals would have an adverse impact on the drinks industry, which has a substantial bearing on the Scottish economy, but the argument for them has not been made.

[Mr Frank Field]

I rise to move new clause 8 and the consequential amendment 23, which stand in my name and the names of my hon. Friends.