REGIONAL BEER

That this House expresses concern about the ever-increasing consolidation of pub and wholesaler ownership which is having an adverse effect on regional distinctiveness and consumer choice; notes that over 70 per cent. of pubs are prevented from selling beer from small local brewers; further notes that publicans have allegedly been intimidated when they have attempted to sell local and regional beers; further notes that this has an adverse effect upon competitiveness, stifles local distinctiveness and means that our regional tourist industry suffers; and supports the call by the Campaign for Real Ale and the Society of Independent Brewers for a full investigation by the Office of Fair Trading into the practices used by the large pub companies, multinational brewers and associated wholesalers to prevent small local brewers selling their beers locally.