GOVERNMENT'S ALCOHOL STRATEGY

That this House notes that among those aged 15 to 49, alcohol is now the leading risk factor for ill-health, early mortality and disability and the fifth leading risk factor for ill-health across all age groups; further notes that liver disease has seen a 400 per cent increase since 1970; is mindful of the fact that alcohol is implicated in over half of all violent crimes, particularly violent crimes and domestic violence; recognises that every £1 invested in specialist alcohol treatment saves society £5 in health, welfare and crime costs; and calls on the Government to address these concerns by publishing an Alcohol Strategy that protects and promotes alcohol treatment services and introduces minimum unit pricing for alcoholic drinks.