Nicola Sturgeon to face questioning over minimum pricing

NICOLA Sturgeon will be questioned on government plans for minimum pricing on alcohol in what will be the final evidence session on the policy by Holyrood’s Health Committee.

The Health Secretary will answer questions about the Alcohol (Minimum Pricing) (Scotland) Bill.

MSPs will also be able to ask Ms Sturgeon about new research at the University of Sheffield. Research by academics there has influenced the Scottish Government’s drive for a floor price which is expected to be passed at Holyrood this year.

No price has yet been set, although 45p has been used to illustrate the policy.

The SNP failed to win support for minimum pricing in the previous minority administration. But the party did manage to steer other policies through Holyrood, such as a ban on multi-buy deals such as two-for-one on wine.

The SNP argues that minimum pricing is needed to help address Scotland’s drink-related health and social problems.