Mystery surrounds key government policy on alcohol pricing

Doubts over the legality of the Government's plans to introduce minimum prices for alcohol have been highlighted by local MEP Paul Nuttall.

And he has pointed out that the Government has declined to reveal the legal advice they have been given on the issue.

The Government was asked by UKIP Peer, Lord Willoughby de Broke, whether their plans are 'compliant with European Union law', said Mr Nuttall.

Replying for the Government Lord Henley said that 'the legal advice which the Government have received on this issue is subject to legal privilege. We do not, therefore, believe it appropriate to disclose this advice (or any summary of it). The Government are currently in discussion with the EU Commission on this issue.'

"Surely the very basic question about whether a new law is legal or not is something that should be in the public domain?" said Mr Nuttall, UKIP deputy leader.

He pointed out that in February the European Commission had made it very clear that it did not know whether Scottish proposals to introduce minimum pricing were legal.

"If the Scottish proposals are a legal grey area, what confidences have we that the English and Welsh proposals will be any better?"

"Here we have policy being made in ignorance of how European rules will affect it. The Government obviously are running scared of transparency on this important issue.

"The whole idea of minimum pricing is contentious as those who will be hit will be the poorest in society. And this will further hit the beleaguered pub trade," said Mr Nuttall.