HC Deb 28 April 1983 vol 41 cc375-6W
Mr. Tony Speller

asked the Minister for Trade, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Eastleigh (Sir D. Price) on 24 January, Official Report, c. 264–65, whether he has now received a report from the relevant trade bodies on a voluntary code of practice for measures of wine sold by the glass in licensed premises; and if he will make a statement.

Dr. Vaughan

I have received the final report of the trade working group, chaired by the Brewers' Society. It covered the text of a voluntary code of practice. The code has been agreed by all the main trade organisations representing the interests of brewers, licensed victuallers, hoteliers, restaurateurs and caterers. Its main provisions are that:

  1. a. the quantity and price shall be prominently displayed in all establishments;
  2. b. each establishment must choose a size or sizes from either an imperial or metric range based on legal capacity measures; and
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  3. c. not more than two sizes shall be available in any establishment. In the case of imperial sales there shall be a minimum difference of two fluid ounces and in the case of metric, a minimum of 50ml between any two sizes.

In order to provide a flexible and legal framework for the code I have today laid before Parliament a draft order to amend schedule 3 to the Weights and Measures Act 1963 by adding three new capacity measures of 125 ml, 150 ml and 175 ml to the list of measures which it is lawful to use for trade in the sale of intoxicating liquor.

Confusion over the variety of glass sizes used by the trade in selling wine by the glass has been a cause of growing public concern and I felt justified in asking the trade to consider taking steps to rationalise its sales. I therefore welcome the initiative shown by the trade organisations concerned, their willingness to co-operate in developing a voluntary scheme and the speed with which they have produced their code.

I hope that the House will feel able to approve the draft order so that the voluntary code of practice can come into operation very soon after the order and the technical regulations, which are now being prepared, come into full operation on 1 December 1983.

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