MULHOLLAND LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO SUPPORT SMALL BREWERIES

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 25th Apr 2006

Greg Mulholland, MP for Leeds North West, has today launched a campaign in Parliament to help support small breweries.

Greg, who is a member of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) and the All-Party Beer Group, has tabled an Early Day Motion on the issue.

Commenting, Greg said:

"Whilst the Government's current duty reduction for microbreweries is welcome, this doesn't cover many smaller real ale breweries who deserve more support.

"I hope the Government will seriously consider this campaign and that as many MPs as possible will support it.

"We should regard real ale the way the French regard their fine wines.

"The Government should take steps to promote real ale and by taking forward the suggestions made in my Early Day Motion."

CAMRA Chief Executive Mike Benner said:

"Thirteen EU countries provide tax relief for small breweries producing up to 200,000 hectolitres annually and CAMRA is urging Britain to follow the lead of other beer loving nations such as Germany."