SNP MSP Bob Doris has welcomed the calls from the report by the Royal College of Physicians for the introduction of minimum pricing.

The RCP report is supported by the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV and calls on Westminster to follow Scotland’s lead to act to curb the cost of binge drinking by introducing minimum pricing.

Mr Doris, SNP MSP for Glasgow and deputy convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Health Committee, said: “This call from the Royal College of Physicians, supported by the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV, adds to the growing list of organisations across the health and justice professions supporting minimum pricing.

“This report highlights the serious effect binge drinking has on our young people – which is why the SNP is committed to tackling this problem.

“With reports saying David Cameron has acknowledged the need to introduce price controls in England, it is clearer than ever we need to take this step and eradicate the culture of pocket money booze which is just simply not acceptable.

“This report comes on the back of figures showing more than one third of 15 year-olds and one in seven 13 years olds admitted they had taken a drink in the previous week. This must be challenged.

“Already a ban on multi-buy deals has stopped people from being tempted to buy three bottles of wine instead of one. And the introduction of Challenge 25 is cutting access to alcohol for young people.

“The SNP is committed to helping tackle underage drinking and Scotland’s problem with booze.”