§ Mr. WareingTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what recent meetings he has held with European Commissioner Van Miert; at which of those meetings the matter of Inntrepreneur Estates Ltd's application for exemption under article 85 of the treaty of Rome was raised; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Neil Hamilton[holding answer 7 July 1994]: Neither I nor my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade have held any recent meetings with Commissioner van Miert. However, when my officials met officials from directorate general IV on 4 May to discuss a number of issues relating to competition in the brewing industry they were told that a decision might be expected before the summer on IEL's application for an exemption under article 85 for its standard tenancy agreement.
§ Mr. WareingTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what recent representations he has recently received in respect of(a) the minimum purchasing obligation and (b) the rents imposed on public house tenants by Inntrepreneur Estates Ltd; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Neil Hamilton[holding answer 7 July 1994]: Since answering a similar oral question from the hon. 391W Member on 11 May 1994, Official Report, columns 315–16, my officials and I have received four representations from or on behalf of IEL lessees in respect of rents, and held one meeting with the Courage Leaseholders Association, at which the question of rents was also raised. I have received no recent representations in respect of minimum purchasing obligations imposed under IEL leases.
§ Mr. WareingTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what recent discussions he has had with Grand Metropolitan Estates Ltd. in respect of Inntrepreneur lessees; what advice he has given the company about dealing with IEL tenants; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Neil Hamilton[holding answer 7 July 1994]: Neither I nor my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade have had any recent discussions with Grand Metropolitan Estates in respect of IEL lessees.