Oral Answers to Questions

Lisa Nandy Excerpts

Thursday 8th November 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Russell Brown (Dumfries and Galloway) (Lab)]

7. If he will establish an independent body to review the relationship between big pub companies and tied landlords.

[Lisa Nandy (Wigan) (Lab)]

11. If he will establish an independent body to review the relationship between big pub companies and tied landlords.

[Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) (Lab)]

20. If he will establish an independent body to review the relationship between big pub companies and tied landlords.

--- Later in debate ---

[Jo Swinson]

I understand that a wide range of organisations have expressed concerns, which is exactly why we have written to the industry to ask for its views on how this is working. We want to proceed on an evidence-based approach and once we receive the evidence we will report back to the House.

[Lisa Nandy]

In Wigan, we are proud of our small breweries, AllGates and Prospect, whose beer will be in this place very soon. An independent inquiry would allow us to consider the impact of restrictions on their trade and, in particular, the impact on our local economy, given the breweries’ importance to Wigan. A commitment today from the Minister to establish such an inquiry would go a long way to restoring confidence in the industry. Will she make that commitment?

[Jo Swinson]

I thank the hon. Lady for her question. She does a wonderful job in championing her local breweries and the BIS Committee was very positive about the relationship that family brewers have with tenants. I may have to disappoint her by not giving her the commitment that she asks for today, but the Government are open-minded. As I have said, when we receive the industry’s response, which we have asked for by 23 November, we will consider the matter further.