Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 4 May 2020 to Question 41174, whether he has entered into correspondence with (a) Star Pubs and Bars (Heineken), (b) Punch Taverns, (c) Greene King, (d) Marston's and (e) EI Group (Stonegate Pubs) on those companies continuing to charge rent to pub tenants during the covid-19 lockdown.

HM Treasury has received representations from a wide range of businesses and business representative organisations, including those in the beer and pub sector, on the Government’s coronavirus financial support package. Building on these measures, the Government has taken steps to protect commercial tenants from eviction as well as to safeguard UK high streets against aggressive debt recovery actions during the coronavirus pandemic. Commercial rents policy is led by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.