To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the extent to which alcohol is being sold at a price lower than the cost of duty payable on it. (182816)

The Department has commissioned an independent review, currently under way, to be carried out by a research team from the University of Sheffield, of the evidence on how and in what circumstance price and promotion—including discounting, price-based promotions and advertising—drive consumption of alcohol and harms from alcohol. The review will report in summer 2008. Following this the Government will consider the need for action, including regulatory change, and consult publicly on any proposals.