HC Deb 11 November 1998 vol 319 c220W
Mr. Boswell

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress he is making in the evaluation of vertical agreements in the brewing industry. [59163]

Dr. Howells

[holding answer 10 November 1998]: The new Competition Act 1998 enables vertical agreements to be excluded by order from the prohibition of anti-competitive agreements. The Government expect to consult formally on a draft order shortly.

The order will be of a general nature, applying to vertical agreements across the economy. There are no plans to make an exclusion order applying specifically to the brewing sector.

The Supply of Beer (Loan Ties, Licensed Premises and Wholesale Prices) Order 1989 and the Supply of Beer (Tied Estate) Order 1989 will remain in force to regulate this market.