§ Mr. Tim Devlin (Stockton, South)I present a petition on behalf of 332 of my constituents who are residents of Stockton-on-Tees and who protest:
That high rents and business rates have created high bar prices at a time when people can ill afford to pay them. Licensees are having to leave their pubs in their thousands, and more and more pubs are being closed down. The Beer Orders have allowed brewers to ride roughshod over the intention of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission to lower beer prices, allow greater competition and greater choice for customers.That we the undersigned, wish to protest at the current activities of the major brewers who are increasing bar prices or forcing tenants out of their businesses and homes.503Wherefore your petitioners pray that your honourable House carry out an immediate review of the Beer supply orders and give proper compensation for licensees forced out of their pubs.
§ To lie upon the Table.