SNP MSP Bob Doris welcomes news that the introduction of minimum pricing will result in a decrease in alcohol-related acute admissions to Scottish hospitals. MSP Bob Doris, deputy convener of the Scottish Parliament's Health and Sport Committee, has today welcomed the evidence contributed by Professor Tim Stockwell, director of the Centre for Addiction Research of British Columbia, during Tuesday's (10.01.12) session of the committee at the Scottish Parliament.

Professor Stockwell has conducted an analysis of the effect of minimum pricing in Canada and was answering questions via a video link.

Significantly, Professor Stockwell provided information to show that consumption levels of alcohol had fallen in Canada.  He also revealed as yet unpublished data which showed that a 4% fall in alcohol consumption-related acute admissions to hospitals, followed on from a 10% increase in price.

Questioning Professor Stockwell, Mr Doris asked whether the Scottish Government's estimate of a 1,200 fall in acute admissions to hospitals could be expected, if minimum pricing was introduced in Scotland. Professor Stockwell agreed.

The Canadian expert also said of the Scottish Government's proposals that they were "courageous" and that "without a shred of doubt they will save lives."

Following the evidence session Bob Doris said: "I agree completely with Professor Stockwell - the Scottish Government's proposals are indeed courageous. Further, I am encouraged to hear that such a well respected and renowned academic believes, without a shred of doubt, that the introduction of minimum pricing will save lives.  The data speaks for itself - a 10% increase in price is reflected in a 4% fall in alcohol consumption related acute admissions to hospital.  Translated to Scotland, this would result in roughly 1,200 less Scots being admitted to hospital with alcohol-consumption issues.  It would be churlish in the extreme not to take heed.  Professor Stockwell's evidence points in one direction, and that is in the direction which saves lives through minimum pricing of alcohol."