That this House welcomes the decision by the TGWU, CMB and the AEEU, who between them represent over 85 per cent. of workers in the brewing industry, to support the acquisition of Bass Brewers by Interbrew; notes that the unions' decision to support the Interbrew acquisition is based on the belief that the deal is the best outcome for Bass brewers' employees; further notes that forced disposals of brands or breweries would undermine employment prospects; believes that Interbrew is a dedicated brewer which will protect consumer choice; and urges the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to approve this deal unconditionally.

That this House welcomes the decision by the TGWU, CMB and the AEEU, who between them represent over 85 per cent. of workers in the brewing industry, to support the acquisition of Bass Brewers by Interbrew; notes that the unions' decision to support the Interbrew acquisition is based on the...

That this House notes that it is the view of the union shop stewards at Bass Brewers that the proposed acquisition of Bass Brewers by Interbrew should be fully supported by the DTI; and further notes that there is great local concern, particularly in Burton-upon-Trent, that if the Interbrew offer were to be lost then any other proposal may be likely to bring greater uncertainly to the future job prospects in the UK brewing industry,

That this House notes that it is the view of the union shop stewards at Bass Brewers that the proposed acquisition of Bass Brewers by Interbrew should be fully supported by the DTI; and further notes that there is great local concern, particularly in Burton-upon-Trent, that if the Interbrew offer...

That this House notes that the proposed merger between Interbrew and Bass will have a detrimental impact on the UK brewing industry in terms of job losses and reduction of choice to the consumer; further notes that the UK competition authorities with extensive experience in the UK beer sector will have no material role in the decision making process; and strongly calls for the DTI to request the European Commission to repatriate the matter to the UK and in particular the Office of Fair Trading under Article 9 of the EC Merger Regulation.

That this House notes that the proposed merger between Interbrew and Bass will have a detrimental impact on the UK brewing industry in terms of job losses and reduction of choice to the consumer; further notes that the UK competition authorities with extensive experience in the UK beer sector will...