Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Bill

Debate between Stuart Andrew and Jo Swinson

Tuesday 18th November 2014 Commons Chamber

[Jo Swinson]

I would like to finish my answer to my hon. Friend the Member for South East Cornwall (Sheryll Murray) before I take another intervention.

In Committee, we had the opportunity to hear from and to have these discussions with the industry, as well as with campaign groups—we must recognise that both sides are important in this. Since then, written correspondence has taken place, to which I have responded to deal with some of the issues raised. Of course, as Minister, I will continue to do so.

[Stuart Andrew (Pudsey) (Con)]

rose—

[Andrew Griffiths]

rose—

[Jo Swinson]

I give way to the hon. Member for Pudsey (Stuart Andrew), who has not yet intervened.

[Stuart Andrew]

Our concern is that a lot of pubs could close over two years. We want assurances that there has been lots of dialogue with the industry and with pub owners who are going through these difficult times to make sure that they are happy with the proposal that the Minister is now bringing forward.