Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to paragraph 2.44 of the Autumn Budget 2024, published on 30 October 2024, HC295, what discussions his Department (a) has had and (b) plans to have with representatives of (i) breweries and (ii) consumers on the consultation on encouraging small brewers to retain and expand their access to pubs.

At the Autumn Budget, the Chancellor announced that the government would consult on ways to encourage small brewers to retain and expand their access to UK pubs.

We are undertaking commercially confidential discussions with a wide range of market participants to gain a better understanding of the supply, sale and dispense of cask and keg beers, together with the nature of competition between brewers, including local/small suppliers.

We will then discuss the findings with competition and markets experts before considering further steps.