Oral Answers to Questions

Lord Austin of Dudley Excerpts

Monday 8th September 2014 Commons Chamber

[Kris Hopkins]

The Government pledged to release the consultation relating to covenants by the end of this year. I hope to release the information in the coming weeks.

[Ian Austin (Dudley North) (Lab)]

The popular, successful and profitable Seven Stars pub in Sedgley in my constituency is threatened with closure because Marston’s and Morrisons are discussing turning it into a supermarket. Does the Minister agree that those companies ought to accept my invitation to meet residents who are concerned not just about the loss of the pub, but about the impact on traffic, parking and businesses in the nearby town centre? Is it possible to introduce tougher rules, so that planning permission is always required before a pub is demolished or closed?

[Kris Hopkins]

I think that the businesses concerned should meet local residents—that dialogue is absolutely appropriate. The Government have given powers to councils under article 4 and the community right to bid mechanism. If communities have treasured assets that they want to be recognised as community assets, they can register them with the local council and give them some protection. I welcome the hon. Gentleman’s participation and the dialogue that he is having with local business.