Beer Duty Escalator

Neil Carmichael Excerpts

Thursday 1st November 2012 Commons Chamber

[Greg Mulholland]

Despite being a co-sponsor, I only get eight minutes, so I will take only two interventions.

[Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con)]

I wish to highlight the fact that I have four breweries in my constituency—Uley brewery, Severn Vale, Stroud and John Kemp’s excellent brewery, which has produced a Coalition ale, appropriately for this debate. All four do a huge amount for the community. Does my hon. Friend agree that that is a powerful reason to support this motion?

--- Later in debate ---

[Neil Carmichael]

My hon. Friend is making some excellent points. Will he join me in commending the work of the Campaign for Real Ale, which does an outstanding job of promoting local pubs and sensible drinking? It certainly does that in my area of Gloucestershire.

[Bob Blackman]

I thank my hon. Friend for his intervention. I must declare an interest as a member of CAMRA. I have been a strong supporter of the organisation since I was at university. It is indeed important to promote the responsible drinking of real ale.