§ 25. Mr. Liptonasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what proposals aimed at mitigating the undesirable effects of the tied-house system have been put to the brewery companies; and what reply she has received.
§ Mr. DellThe proposals have been put to the brewers as part of a continuing discussion on implementation of the Monopolies Commission Report. It would not be appropriate to disclose the details at this stage as the consultations are still in progress.
§ Mr. LiptonHave not these proposals been before the brewery companies for at least a month? How much longer is my right hon. Friend going to wait? Is it not rather odd that the brewery companies, and their Tory friends who talk so much about individual freedom, are reluctant to allow individual freedom of choice in public houses?
§ Mr. Tom BoardmanHas the Minister in mind the Monopolies Commission's Report which said that any change in the tied house system should be preceded by a review and alteration of the licensing laws?
§ Mr. DellYes, I have that in mind. As the hon. Gentleman knows, my right hon. Friend the then President of the Board of Trade referred to the social implications in the Monopolies Commission's Report and the need to study this very carefully before action is taken.
§ 33. Mr. Goldingasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity whether, in her discussions with brewers on the question of tied houses, she will make proposals to ensure the continuance of public bars.
§ Mr. DellNo, Sir. The object of these discussions is to bring about a greater degree of competition, and not to preserve any particular facilities.
§ Mr. GoldingIs my hon. Friend aware that the brewers are not only destroying the social amenities of public bars in 1629 many towns but that they are also increasing prices to a prohibitive level for those who use the public bar?
§ Mr. DellAll these matters will be taken into account in the discussions that we are having with the brewers. The prime object of these discussions is to bring about a much greater degree of competition.
§ Mr. Tom BoardmanDoes the Minister agree that the brewing industry has shown very great restraint in price increases and has voluntarily accepted restrictions far beyond those accepted by the majority of industry?
§ Mr. DellThere has been a recent increase in beer prices, but I accept what the hon. Gentleman says about restraint. I do not think that this bears on the question of whether more competition is required in this industry.
§ Mr. William HamiltonWill my right hon. Friend say how much the increases in the price of beer are caused by the substantial contributions that the brewers make to the Tory Party?