Binge-drink warning

The scale of binge drinking among teenagers emerged today in new figures.

They show that more than 350 11- to 15-year-olds were taken to hospitals in London after bingedrinking last year - the equivalent of almost one a day.

The number of teenagers treated for alcohol-related illnesses in accident and emergency units has soared by more than 40 per cent in five years.

Campaigners want harsher punishments for bars and shops caught supplying children with drink, and warn that urgent action is needed to prevent tragedies.

Earlier this month public schoolboy Nicholas Ireland, 17, from Weybridge, choked to death after downing beer, tequila and vodka during a science trip to Germany.

Figures released by Health Minister John Hutton, in answer to a written parliamentary question, suggest that thousands of young people a year are taking similar risks.

The problem is worst in relatively affluent areas - with Merton, Sutton, Wandsworth, Kingston and Richmond recording the highest number of hospital-admissions. Simon Hughes MP, the Liberal Democrats' mayoral candidate, uncovered the statistics.

He said: "The growing number of kids who are being admitted to hospital for alcoholrelated problems is deeply worrying.

"Binge drinking is not just a major health concern, it is a crime-and-disorder concern. Kids need better information on how to drink responsibly before they damage themselves, their families and society."

The Department of Health figures, which only cover London, show alcohol-related hospital admissions among children have fallen significantly in some areas, including Hillingdon-Bexley and Greenwich. However, overall, figures have risen every year since a slump in the total number of cases in London, between 1997 and 1998.

Ministers stress that records are incomplete because of changes to the structure of the NHS, meaning the latest figures can not show the whole picture.

Last month the Government published plans to tackle Britain's binge-drinking culture.

Home Secretary David Blunkett told police forces to use more children in "sting" operations to expose shops and pubs that flout the law.

Drinks advertisements will also be scrutinised to ensure they are not "glamorising" alcohol or targeting young people.

Lee Lixemberg, of the charity Alcohol Concern, said: "These figures highlight the importance of improving the standard of education for young people about alcohol issues.

"They need to be aware of what alcohol can do to their bodies. We believe that people who sell alcohol need more training to help them spot under-age drinkers, and support moves to catch unscrupulous traders."