§ Mr. WareingTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what communications he has received from the European Commission in respect of the activities of Inntrepreneur Estates Ltd; how many communications have been in respect of the firm's application for exemption from EU regulations under article 85 of the treaty of Rome; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Jonathan EvansMy right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade has not received any communication from the European Commission in respect of the activities of Inntrepreneur Estates Ltd. However, he has been kept fully informed of the Commission's concerns with regard to the discounts offered by the major brewers, and the Commission's decision to allow the Director General of Fair Trading to investigate the issue before coming to a decision regarding the Inntrepreneur application for individual exemption of its standard lease.