§ Mr. Stottasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection, in the interest of retaining regional and local flavours and characteristics in British beers, if she will consider making automatic references to the Monopolies Commission in the event of any further proposed mergers or takeovers in the brewing industry.
§ Mr. Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if she will refer to the Monopolies Commission any future proposed mergers or takeovers in the brewing industry, in view of the importance of retaining regional and local flavours and characteristics in British beer.
Mr. Alan WilliamsIn view of the high level of concentration in the brewing industry, and in the absence of any special circumstances, I would normally expect to refer any qualifying merger in the 465W industry to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission for investigation and report.