Pubs Code Adjudicator
Debate between Jonathan Reynolds and Anna SoubryUrgent Questions are proposed each morning by backbench MPs, and up to two may be selected each day by the Speaker. Chosen Urgent Questions are announced 30 minutes before Parliament sits each day.
Each Urgent Question requires a Government Minister to give a response on the debate topic.
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Anna Soubry
I do not think that that falls within his remit. He is there to ensure that anyone who raises a complaint under the pub code will be able to be heard fairly and that the matter can be arbitrated in the right way. The hon. Lady raises an important point, however. We all know the huge importance of our pubs to communities, and it is absolutely the case that they should trade fairly.
Jonathan Reynolds (Stalybridge and Hyde) (Lab/Co-op)
Can the Minister tell us how many years the initial appointment is for? If it is only for a short period, there will be understandable concern that the adjudicator will not want to burn their bridges with the pubco industry.
Anna Soubry
I have just been helped by those sitting in the Box—I nearly said “those who instruct me”—and the answer is four years.