Pub Companies

Debate between Lord Brennan of Canton and Adrian Bailey

Thursday 12th January 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Bailey]

Yes. Let me make it clear that I am basically speaking about the Select Committee reports, which were about pub companies, but I recognise that there is an issue with breweries and their tenancies that in some cases might be relevant to this discussion. I know that individual Members will draw the necessary distinctions in the debate and I hope to allay any fears they might have.

[Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab)]

Will my hon. Friend give way?

[Mr Bailey]

I shall take one more intervention.

[Kevin Brennan]

Towards the latter end of the previous Parliament, when I, as a Minister, and my right hon. Friend the Member for Wentworth and Dearne (John Healey) did a lot of work on this subject, there seemed to be a great deal of consensus between the then Select Committee and the then Opposition parties that such a measure was necessary. Is my hon. Friend surprised that we have reached a stage in this Parliament where we have to debate this matter because action has not been taken?

[Mr Bailey]

The answer is that I am absolutely astonished and I shall address that point.