THE North-East's tobacco and alcohol control agencies have both expressed disappointment at the contents of the Queen's Speech.

Fresh, which campaigns for a smoke-free North-East, and Balance, which tries to encourage a healthier attitude towards alcohol, were both hoping that the Government would include measures to reduce smoking and alcohol consumption.

But the Government left out any proposal to introduce plain-packaging for tobacco products or to bring in a minimum unit price for alcohol, measures strongly supported by both North-East agencies.

Ailsa Rutter, director of Fresh, said: "We are disappointed at the missed opportunity to include standardised tobacco packaging in the Queen's Speech, but we hope the Government will still listen to the strong evidence that it will reduce the lure of smoking.

"While nothing is done, 9,000 North-East children will start smoking each year and tobacco multinationals will be able to attract young people to an addictive, lethal product through glamorous packs, slims and glossy holograms.

"Last year there was massive public support to end tobacco promotion from more than 13,500 people and 129 organisations in the North East, including every local authority."

Colin Shevills, director of Balance, said: "The Government needs to listen to the growing number of supporters for MUP which includes health professionals, the police, charitable organisations, publicans and the majority of the North East public. It has already made a commitment to MUP - it now needs to act on it to reduce the real harms that alcohol continues to have on individuals, families and communities."