THE Government has been urged to introduce identity cards for young people, to stamp out under-age drinking.

Leigh Labour MP Lawrence Cunliffe said that such a card - voluntary or compulsory - could be a major weapon against youth crime.

Home Office Minister Alun Michael said the idea was being considered and promised vigorous action to tackle the problem of alcopops - recently blamed by a judge for an arson attack by youths on a Bolton school.

Home Secretary Jack Straw ordered an inquiry into the alcopop problem after Judge Peter Lakin blamed the highly-alcoholic soft drink-style concoctions for a 14 year old boy causing a £750,000 blaze at Withins School in Bolton.

Labour backbencher Mr Cunliffe tackled Mr Michael on the issue at Home Office Questions yesterday.

He said: "Is not one of the principle reasons for the rise in youth crime, pointed out by many licensees and suppliers, that under-age drinking is on the increase?

"Do you agree that the best deterrent would be to introduce some form - voluntary or compulsory - of identity card, to include photograph and age?"

Mr Michael told him: "A voluntary identity card is still under consideration but you are right to identify the problem of youth drinking and rising youth crime.

"My ministerial colleague George Howarth had taken up the issue of alcopops with the industry and pursuing it vigorously. Alcohol-related crime is a serious problem

"The steps that we intend to take in relation to youth crime will have a significant impact, but the problem of drink-related crime among young people, as among older groups, is serious."

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