§ Mr. Bishopasked the Secretary of State for Employment what assurances were given to him by brewery firms whose names have been sent to him regarding the policy they intended to follow after mergers in reference to the supply of wines, spirits and cider and soft drinks by independent suppliers to tenants of one of the merged companies; and to what extent he is monitoring their operations, to ascertain whether independent suppliers are being restricted or harmed and a monopoly situation is developing in the industry.
§ Mr. RidleyI have been asked to reply.
The undertakings were intended to have the effect that the choice of products of independent suppliers which could be stocked and displayed by the tenants of the acquired brewery would not be reduced and should be widened. The general nature of these assurances was made public at the time, and I have no doubt that any independent supplier who considers that they are not being implemented will bring the matter to the attention of the Department.