§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received from the National Licensed Victuallers Association concerning pub tenants under notice to quit; what talks he has had with the brewery companies following the Monopolies and Mergers Commission's report concerning independent arbitration; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RedwoodMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State met the National Licensed Victuallers Association on 17 July. Following that meeting, he or I met each of the national brewers to discuss the concerns being expressed by tenants about the long-term leases that are being introduced to replace existing tenancy agreements. At our prompting, those brewers not already doing so have agreed to introduce procedures for the independent arbitration or assessment of rent in cases where agreement cannot be reached in individual negotiations with their tenants.