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MINIMUM PRICING
A Holyrood debate on minimum pricing (5 November) left minimum pricing 'dead in the water', according to Scottish Tories. But a motion opposing the proposal by Murdo Fraser, deputy Conservative leader, was voted down, as well as other parties' amendments. The SNP administration will rely on the support of Labour MSPs if the move is to succeed.
Official Report Press & Journal Telegraph The Herald
Previous history (oldest items first):
The British Medical Association has all of Scotland's political parties to support minimum pricing. The Scotsman BBC News
Westminster health committee: minimum price of 50 per unit pricing would reduce binge drinking and 'bolster pubs'. The Publican Morning Advertiser
BBPA: Minimum pricing would be 'ineffective'. Morning Advertiser
According to a Scottish National Party press release, plans to introduce minimum pricing have been cleared by the European Commission.
Responding to a Parliamentary Question from Labour MEP Catherine Stihler, the Commission recognised the right of member states to pursue health objectives and referred to a court decision indicating that Treaty rules on the free movement of goods would not be breached if pricing rules applies equally to domestic and imported products.
But Ms Stihler disputed the SNP's interpretation. She said: 'The key section in the answer to my question from the European Commission is that minimum pricing must apply to the whole member state, not just a nation within it. In Scotland we are in Europe as part of the UK, which gives us great clout. So the SNP's blithe interpretation just doesn't stack up.'
The Scotsman
Research carried out by Sheffield University on behalf of the Scottish Government suggests that minimum pricing for alcohol and a ban on off-sale promotions would save hundreds of lives each year.
Scottish Government press release Scotsman The Publican
The Morning Advertiser reports that minimum cigarette pricing 'distorts competition and benefits only manufacturers', recommending that reduced tobacco consumption should be achieved by increased excise duty.
Nicola Sturgeon and Alex Salmond have responded to suggestions that an opinion by the European Commission's Advocate General on tobacco minimum pricing threatens the Scottish Government's plans for minimum alcohol pricing. The Herald (1) The Herald (2)
Press & Journal Scotland on Sunday
DCMS Minister Gerry Sutcliffe told a Parliamentary debate on the Licensing Act 2003 that the Government was 'not minded to introduce minimum pricing', but would 'look closely at what happens in Scotland'.
Hansard, 22 October 2009, Col 343WH
The Times reports that Labour's appointment of a new shadow health secretary,. Jackie Baillie, threatens the party's support for the SNP's plans.
Jackie Baillie called on Alex Salmond to share 'the substance' of the legal advice receive by the Scottish Government on minimum pricing. Official Report [from Col 20680]
On BBC Scotland's Politics Show (1 November) Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Labour Leader Iain Gray discussed minimum pricing, with Mr refusing to give an 'in principle' commitment to the SNP's proposal. He said it was 'not a question of principle, but a question of finding a practical and pragmatic way to deal with the problem'.
(9 September 2009, updated 14 September, 16, 26 October, 2, 3 November)
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