A Week in Westminster

THE eighth Carers Week will be held from June 10-16, 2002.

It's a week when we commemorate and highlight the dedication and hard work carried out by many carers in Bolton and throughout the UK. A Parliamentary reception has been organised for June 12 by the Carers Week Consortium to remind us all about the largely unpublished role of six million carers.

On another note entirely, many of my constituents have contacted me regarding consumer protection against being served short measures of draught beer and cider on licensed premises -- otherwise known as the full pint campaign.

I am pleased to say that the Government has recently published a consultation document that sets out proposals to amend the Weights and Measures (Intoxicating Liquors) Order 1988 to ensure that the quantities in which draught beer and cider are sold (pint or half pint) comprise of not less than 95 per cent liquid, including the liquid (but not the gas) in any head of froth.

The proposals take account of responses from interested parties to a previous consultation. In particular, the Government has sought to strike a balance between the interests of consumers and the need to avoid adding to the costs of licensees, particularly small independent pubs.

The changes would give consumers better value for their money and deliver the equivalent of an extra 60 million pints a year. Consumers will not be prevented from requesting a top-up if they are dissatisfied with the quantity that they have been served. It will strike the right balance between delivering a better deal for consumers without damaging the brewing industry.

The Department of Trade and Industry has consulted widely with all the relevant bodies. It will now work closely with the beer and trade to ensure that consumers are fully informed of their new rights. They intend to consult on draft regulations prior to bringing forward legislation and hopes to bring forward legislation before the Summer Recess of Parliament.

My next surgery will be on Friday, June 14, at Bolton Town Hall, 4.30pm-6.30pm, no appointment is necessary. Alternatively you can write to me at the House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA or 570 Blackburn Road, Astley Bridge, Bolton BL1 7AL tel: 01204 303340.