HC Deb 31 July 1997 vol 299 cc440-1
7. Mr. Ronnie Campbell

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what action her Department is taking to ensure that beer drinkers receive full liquid pints in public houses. [10032]

Mr. Nigel Griffiths

The Government support the Bill introduced by my hon. Friend the Member for Wolverhampton, South—East (Mr. Turner), which will ensure that beer drinkers get the full liquid pint.

Mr. Campbell

Is not the real reason to do with profits for the brewers? Is there not a £9 profit on every keg that is brewed, which means excess profits for the breweries? Although we are new Labour, we are not really against profits—[Interruption.]—but does the Minister agree that excess profits at the expense of the consumer are wrong?

Mr. Griffiths

I am not a prophet, but I agree with my hon. Friend. His point has been made to me by publicans who run breweries. It is important to take account of the matter, and that is one of the reasons why we are determined to support my hon. Friend's Bill.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

My question has nothing to do with the drinking habits of Lord Simon.

Madam Speaker

That is a nice change.

Mr. Winterton

It is important that drinkers get a full pint of beer, and the Minister will agree that the United Kingdom's traditional beer is of high quality. Does he also agree that it is important for people to be able to enjoy the traditions of English public houses and that the traditional names of public houses should be retained?

Mr. Griffiths

I strongly support the hon. Gentleman.