The Scottish executive has ruled out introducing 24-hour drinking hours north of the border.

Although justice minister Cathy Jamieson conceded that licensing hours were up for review, there was "neither the desire nor the evidence to support" a move to round-the-clock opening hours for pubs.

Her comments followed the passing of the Licensing Act by the Westminster parliament and came ahead of a debate on the Nicholson report, which recommends flexible opening hours, but also a crackdown on binge drinking.

"Sheriff Principal Nicholson and his committee have not opened Scotland up to 24-hour drinking," said Jamieson.

"The recommendations suggest a move from the present piecemeal system of 'fixed' opening hours to a tailored 'premises by premises' approach founded on his group's core principles."

The report argued that there was a need for a new licensing act for Scotland, to replace legislation first enacted in 1976.

Under the proposals, local licensing boards would make the final decisions over which premises would be able to sell alcohol, a move endorsed by Alcohol Focus Scotland.

"We welcome the recommendation that licensing board members should also be trained so they understand the consequences of their decisions," said chief executive Jack Law.

"The consequences of their decisions not only have an impact on their businesses but also the wider community."

Conservative MSPs focused on the need to address binge drinking. It follows the announcement that shadow home secretary Oliver Letwin has established a working party in Westminster to examine the problem.

"We need to liberalise so we have a more relaxed drinking culture where people actually drink more sensibly and slowly," said MSP and local government spokesman Brian Monteith.

"I don't think pubs should be open for 24 hours but licensees should be able to choose when they open."