A KENT MP has called for "sensible" government policy to be put in place to help supermarkets battle Britain's binge drinking culture.

Tesco has called for limits on cut-price alcohol to be imposed in all supermarkets, including its own outlets, in an effort to curb the number of cheap booze deals medical experts claim are fuelling binge drinkers.

But the chain is powerless to artificially raise prices on any product under competition laws, and conservative MP for Canterbury and Whitstable Julian Brazier said the Government needs step in and help businesses that want to be more responsible.

Mr Brazier said: "Supermarkets cannot win at the moment. If one chain raises its own prices, it puts itself at a competitive disadvantage.

Clear statement

"But if it calls round its competitors and everyone says 'let's make a stand', they are committing a serious criminal offence under competition laws.

"What is needed is the Government to make a clear statement saying they expect responsible outlets not to sell alcohol below a certain price.

"If this was done, all major outlets would move with it and it would be a step forward."

He added: "It isn't often that I support high prices for anything, but this does seem to be an example where sensible government policy would help."

Recent figures obtained by the Conservative Party show the number of young people under the age of 18 hospitalised for alcohol misuse in Kent, Surrey and Sussex was 596 last year, up 41 per cent in 2000/01.

Nearly half the incidents occurred in Kent, but there was only one prosecution for underage drinking last year.

Mr Brazier accused the Government of complacency in dealing with the problem, and said changes to the licensing act, such as 24-hour pub opening and raising the age at which children can drink with their parents in pubs from 14 to 16, was making matters worse.

'Out of control'

He also advocated a return to drinking in a traditional pub environment, where prices were higher but there was a sensible social atmosphere.

"Binge drinking is out of control in this country," he added.

"We have a reputation across Europe, America and Australia as having our high streets being over run by young and often violent drinkers. The situation is becoming progressively worse."