§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will make a statement on his Department's recent work to ensure that beer is served in full measure and that the head of froth is not paid for;
(2) what regulations are being discussed between his Department and the brewing and licensing trades to establish lined beer glasses in order to facilitate the serving of fair and full measures, and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HowardThe Department has been considering representation on the "froth on beer" issue for some time. In the Department's view a combination of self-regulation by the trade and revised regulations for capacity measures offers the best way forward. A consultation paper on proposed new regulations was, therefore, circulated to interested parties last April. Copies are available in the House of Commons Library. In parallel with this initiative the Brewers' Society has been preparing guidance notes for publicans on the dispensing of draught beer.
The comments received on the consultation paper are currently being considered by the Department and a statement on possible changes to the regulations would not, therefore, be appropriate at this stage.