Trade reaction continues to come in following reports that the government is on the verge of throwing out recommendations for a minimum price for alcohol. Here's our news blog on the issue:

Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, is the latest drinks trade body to give her reaction to the news.

“If this turns out to be the outcome, there are still many issues to discuss. We have always supported a ban on below-cost selling and a tax system that encourages lower-strength drinks.

“We will certainly continue to press for a freeze in beer duty in next week’s Budget, as UK beer tax rates are already the highest in Europe, holding back investment, growth and job creation.

“Overall, UK alcohol consumption is down by more than 16 per cent since 2004. Tackling problem drinking should mean targeting help at those who misuse alcohol, more local community partnerships, greater education and awareness and support for pubs.

“This is our preferred approach to fostering a culture of responsible drinking in the UK, and we want to continue to work in close partnership with the Government on this agenda.”

The Prime Minister, David Cameron's plan for minimum alcohol pricing were widely reported across the national media yesterday to be in their "death throws". He was taunted on the issue at this week's Prime Minister's Question Time, with Labour leader, David Milliband MP, asking: "In the light of your U-turn on alcohol pricing is there anything the Prime Minister could organise in a brewery?"

But Cameron stressed his fight against cheap alcohol was not over. He told the Commons: "There is a problem with deeply discounted alcohol in supermarkets and other stores and I am absolutely determined that we will deal with this. Be in no doubt, we have got to deal with the problem of having 20p or 25p cans of lager available in supermarkets. It's got to change."

Conservative ministers are said to be split over the proposals for a 45p per unit minimum price, according to several news outlets including the BBC.

Miles Beale, chief executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, which has led the Why Should Responsible Drinkers Pay More? campaign against minimum unit pricing, said consumers will welcome the report that the Prime Minister is reconsidering plans to hike up the cost of alcohol.

"Minimum unit pricing would penalise responsible drinkers and treat everyone who is looking for value in their shopping as a binge-drinker. Evidence has also shown it will do little to tackle problem drinking.

"New Government figures show that alcohol consumption has fallen significantly - down 16% since 2004. When families are struggling to make ends meet the Government should not push ahead with this policy - or the hated Alcohol Duty Escalator."

A Home Office spokesman said: "The consultation on new measures closed on 6 February. We will listen to all views and set out a response in due course."David Cameron's plan for minimum alcohol pricing are set to be axed, according to reports.

Conservative ministers are said to be split over the proposals for a 45p per unit minimum price, according to several news outlets including the BBC.

Miles Beale, chief executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, which has led the Why Should Responsible Drinkers Pay More? campaign against minimum unit pricing, said consumers will welcome the report that the Prime Minister is reconsidering plans to hike up the cost of alcohol.

"Minimum unit pricing would penalise responsible drinkers and treat everyone who is looking for value in their shopping as a binge-drinker. Evidence has also shown it will do little to tackle problem drinking.

"New Government figures show that alcohol consumption has fallen significantly - down 16% since 2004. When families are struggling to make ends meet the Government should not push ahead with this policy - or the hated Alcohol Duty Escalator."

A Home Office spokesman said: "The consultation on new measures closed on 6 February. We will listen to all views and set out a response in due course."