HC Deb 22 January 1979 vol 961 cc11-2W
17. Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection whether he is satisfied with the proposals of the Brewers' Society for improving competition in the brewing industry.

Mr. Hattersley

Yes. I believe that the proposals which the Brewers' Society have put forward, and which I set out to the House in my answer on 11 December to my hon. Friend the Member for Lichfield and Tamworth (Mr. Grocott), will increase competition between public houses and improve consumer choice within public houses.

Mr. Hardy

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if he will refer to the Price Commission for investigation the brewing industry, in the event of any proposals to increase the price of beer and ale during the next six months.

Mr. Maclennan

It is for the Price Commission to decide whether to investigate individual price increases.

The Price Commission published a report on beer prices and margins in July 1977. Since then, as my right lion. Friend explained on 11 December in reply to a Question from my hon. Friend the Member for Lichfield and Tamworth (Mr. Grocott), the Brewers' Society has undertaken a comprehensive review of local monopolies in the industry, which provides for exchanges of public houses and of draught ales. This action is aimed at meeting criticisms of the structure of the industry made by the Price Commission. My right hon. Friend has at present no plans to direct the Commission to undertake another examination of this industry.