MPs outrage over Government washing its hands of pubco-tenant self-regulation deal

24-Oct-2012 - Last updated on 26-Oct-2012 at 11:09 GMT

News that the Government has washed its hands of the self-regulation deal over the pubco-tenant relationship has sparked concern among senior politicians.

Last week, the Publican’s Morning Advertiser revealed the new minister in charge of monitoring the deal, Jo Swinson, snubbed requests for an interview, with her department claiming the commitments made "have now been achieved".

Last year, the Government chose not to implement the Business, Innovation & Skills Committee recommendation of a statutory code of practice, instead saying the industry framework code will be strengthened and made legally binding.

It also agreed that a Pub Independent Conciliation Advisory Service (PICAS) and a Pubs Advisory Service (PAS) would be launched.

The MPs outrage follows news earlier this week that the Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations has written to the minister expressing its "disappointment" at her approach.

Last week, the All-Party Parliamentary Save the Pub Group chairman and MP Greg Mulholland raised a point of order in the House of Commons asking the Speaker John Bercow about the "serious matter" of misinformation being provided by civil servants both to members of the House and to members of the press and public.

He said: "The Department for Business, Innovation & Skills officials have said publicly that the commitments made in the Government response to a select committee inquiry have now been fulfilled, but they clearly have not been.

"They have also said that an independent pubs advisory system has been set up, but it has not.

"This is a very serious matter that needs to be properly investigated, because officials, as well as ministers, need to be properly held to account."

Shadow minister for small business, Labour MP Toby Perkins, has written to Swinson asking for a meeting about the issue. (See letter below)

He has called on the minister to drop the Government’s opposition to an independent review.

In his letter, he said: "There is widespread consensus that there should be a review of the self-regulatory regime, that it is the clear will of Parliament that this should begin in the near future.

"The industry will be hoping that your appointment signals an opportunity for a more constructive approach to this important industry that will support the will of Parliament by dropping the Government’s opposition to an independent review of how pub companies and beer ties are regulated."

The GMB union is set to meet Perkins on 2 November to call for a manifesto pledge from Labour to support regulation.

Business, Innovation & Skills Committee chairman Adrian Bailey has also confirmed he is to write to the minister to question her on her responsibilities with regard to the deal.