To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what assessment he has made of the effect on local licensed premises of sales of low-cost alcohol in supermarkets; and if he will make a statement. (227292)

None. The prices an enterprise charges for its products is a commercial matter for the enterprise concerned. Enterprises such as restaurants, pubs and clubs selling alcohol products for consumption on their premises are likely to have different cost bases and business models to off licences, shops and supermarkets that sell alcohol for home consumption. Such differences are likely to be reflected in the prices charged to customers. The interests of consumers are best protected by ensuring there is effective competition between different enterprises seeking to attract customers.