HC Deb 29 June 1972 vol 839 c404W
Mr. Bishop

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what provisions of the European Economic Community Treaty and regulations affect the beer supply tied house system in Great Britain; and what steps he proposes in relation to this system prior to entering the European Economic Community.

Mr. Noble

Articles 85 to 90 of the Treaty of Rome deal with competition. The current inquiry by the European Commission to competition in the brewing industry in existing Member States is being conducted under Council Regulation 17. It would be inappropriate to consider whether action on the tied house system in Great Britain is required until the Erroll Committee has reported.