§ Mr. Bishopasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations have been made to him regarding beer price increases; if he is aware that some customers are having to pay higher prices because public bars 236W which charge lower prices are not always available in public houses; and whether, following his discussions with the brewers on the question of tied houses, he will seek to ensure that customers have a choice of bars and of prices.
§ Mr. Hoy:In the case which I believe my hon. Friend has in mind the point at issue was not a price increase but a price differential. It is normal for beer prices to vary between different bars and different houses because of the different standards of amenity and the different levels of costs involved, and provision of a public bar depends on commercial judgment of local demand. This has always been the case. As to the last part of the question I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for Employment and Productivity to the hon. Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Mr. Golding) on 26th March. — [Vol. 798, c. 1628–9.]