To ask the President of the Board of Trade what discussions on competition within the brewery industry have been held at his meetings with other European Trade Ministers; and if he will make a statement on how European competition policy relates to the United Kingdom brewery industry.

My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade has had no specific discussions on competition in the brewing industry with other European Ministers, although other issues of relevance to the brewing industry, for example duty levels, have been discussed at the EC level. The United Kingdom brewing industry is subject to normal EC competition law; certain exclusive supply agreements in the brewing industry benefit from an exemption from article 85 of the treaty of Rome.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will consult the National Association of Inntrepreneur Lessees on the operation of the Beer Orders.

Neither I nor my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade have any plans to carry out consultation on the operation of the Beer Orders. In recent correspondence with my Department, members of the National Association of Inntrepreneur Lessees (NAIL) have already made known their concerns about recent changes in the brewing industry.