Written question asked by Nicholas Winterton (Conservative) on Wednesday, 20 February 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 22 February 2008. It was answered by Malcolm Wicks (Labour) on Tuesday, 11 March 2008 on behalf of the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform.

Alcoholic Drinks

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform if he will introduce measures to assist investment and growth in the brewing industry; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: The Government encourage investment and growth through a range of measures including tax incentives, such as capital allowances and R&D tax credits, and business support schemes such as the Grant for Research and Development and Selective Finance for Investment. We have also introduced a range of measures through the Government Manufacturing Strategy, including the Manufacturing Advisory Service, which provides practical assistance to help companies in all sectors to improve their competitiveness. We have no plans to introduce specific measures for the brewing industry.

Secondary information