Statutory code: PM David Cameron refuses to commit to action over pubcos
He was responding to a question from Save the Pub Group chairman and MP Greg Mullholland in the House of Commons today.
Mulholland said: “New figures show that the second largest pubco in the country Punch Taverns in their pubs overcharge the British consumer on beer alone by £4.3bn over 10 years. There is clear market manipulation
"Will he commit to deal with this crony capitalism and will he listen to Federation of Small Business and back the Business Innovation and Skills select committee solution to this problem.”
'Look carefully'
However Cameron refused to be drawn on the question.
“I know of my honourable friends longstanding interest not just in beer but in pubs and how pub landlords are treated particularly by pubcos.
“Let me look very carefully at what he said. I am a great believer in a healthy pub industry they are often the heart of the village and the heart of the community.
"I will look very carefully at the beer report that he mentions.”
Last week BIS minister Jo Swinson said the Goverment would respond to the consultation "very shortly".
Punch Responds
Andy Slee, central operations director for Punch Taverns said: “This is the latest in a series of wild accusations from an MP who is intent doing damage to an industry that is on the road to recovery.
"There is no truth to what Mr. Mulholland says as there is no legitimate industry source for the type of data he has quoted to the House. We challenge him to produce robust and independent evidence.”
