CALLS to set a minimum alcohol price have been cautiously backed by Worcester’s MP - but only if there are no side effects for struggling pubs.

Robin Walker said he would be prepared to support a strategy to cut down on binge drinking, but insisted the policy needs to be carefully thought through to avoid damaging businesses.

Prime Minister David Cameron pledged to crack down on supermarkets selling cheap booze today but stopped short of introducing a minimum unit pricing policy, saying the Government was still examining the results of a consultation on the policy.

Mr Walker said: “I am prepared to support it as long as it doesn’t affect someone having a pint in a pub or a bottle of wine after a long week at work.

“As long as it encourages responsible drinking I can see the rationale.”

A base price of 45p per unit in England and Wales has been suggested by some MPs, but many supporters want it applied touper-strength beers only.