Norman Lamb

Norman Lamb, the Lib Dem Health spokesman has floated some "interesting" proposals today - which on the surface look sensible.

However afetr just listening to him on Radio  2, it seems that in the cold light of day they are laughable. As I understand it.(do correct me if I'm wrong) drunks who are abusive in casualty should pay for their treatment. Well as a non drinker Ithink thats a great idea. But hang on - does that mean those who arent abusive don't get charged? So can the happy drunk get away with his or her behaviour - but the aggressive drunk gets charged.

Then the second part of the policy is that pubs or clubs who serve the booze should also be expected to pay. How on earth do you find out from someone drunk where they got their booze? My wife likes wine, and she joined the Sunday Times wine club - she bought one case and got another free. If she was silly enough to drink them all in one go would the Sunday Times be responsible for supplying her?

Norman - yes we need to tackle binge drinking - however is this going to solve the problem? Drinkers do need to face up to the consequences of their actions - but can't the same analysis be used with regards smokers and obese people, or is abusiveness the only criteria being used for introducing such charging?

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