A consultation document last year discussed a base price of 45p per unit in England and Wales, but Home Office Minister Jeremy Browne said there was not enough “concrete evidence” that the move would reduce the level of problem drinking without hitting people who drink responsibly.

Mr Browne also ruled out a ban on multi-buy promotions due to a “lack of convincing evidence” that it would have a significant effect on the volumes people consume.

The Prime Minister, who had previously been a vocal supporter of the measures insisted that banning drinks priced below the level of duty plus VAT was effectively a minimum price because selling below this price range will become illegal.

Mr Cameron said: “Supermarkets or shops deeply discounting alcohol will be made illegal. That, I think, will be a positive step forward.”