§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how long British brewers can defer the implementation of the European Court ruling on the ties between brewers and tenants of public houses; and what advice and guidance he has given to the brewers and the National Association of Licensed House Victuallers on this matter.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherTies between brewers and tenants are dealt with in the European Commission's block exemption regulation under the competition rules which came into force on 1 July 1983. Under this regulation agreements entered into before 1 January 1984 can continue to benefit from the previous block exemption regulation until 31 December 1988, when they will have 511W to be modified to comply with the new conditions if they are to continue to be exempt. Agreements made after 1 January 1984 cannot benefit from the latest block exemption unless they meet its conditions.
I have not given any advice or guidance on this matter. However, the Commission issued guidance on interpretation of the regulation on 30 December 1983.