HC Deb 25 November 1993 vol 233 c110W
Mr. Wareing

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what recent discussions he has held with Sir Allen Sheppard, chairman of Grand Metropolitan Estates, in respect of developments in the brewery industry; what issues were discussed; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Neil Hamilton

My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade has had no recent discussions with Sir Allen Sheppard in respect of developments in the brewing industry. Sponsorship of this industry is of course the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Minister for Agriculture.

Mr. Wareing

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what information he has on the number of public house closures since the Supply of Beer (Tied Estate) Order 1989 was introduced; how many of these were Inntrepreneur lessees; when he intends to review the operation of the Beer Orders; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Neil Hamilton

Neither my Department nor the Office of Fair Trading has any information on the number of public house closures or the former ownership of closed houses. Such information is not required to monitor compliance with the Beer Orders.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to him on 27 May 1993, Official Report, column 694.