BIG RISE IN NUMBER OF BINGE-DRINKING CHILDREN ADMITTED TO A&E - LAMB

11.00.17am GMT Mon 18th Feb 2008

The number of cases of children being admitted to hospital after attending A&E as a result of binge-drinking has risen by over 35% since 2001, according to figures obtained by the Liberal Democrats.

The situation varies enormously around the country, with over 80% more children admitted to A&E in London and the South West in the last six years.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary, Norman Lamb said:

"Gordon Brown talks about health prevention being important, but what is he doing to tackle the shocking rise in binge drinking amongst our young people? This is a dangerously escalating public health crisis with often tragic consequences.

"The overall numbers mask alarming regional differences. We need to find out why the number of children drinking so much that they end up in hospital is so much higher in some parts of the country.

"As well as being illegal, it is grossly irresponsible for pubs and shops to sell alcohol to underage young people. Existing laws in this area need to be enforced and we must also look at the sale of cheap alcohol in supermarkets which contributes to the problem."