Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment he has made of the UK brick manufacturing sector to meet domestic demand bricks.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

In 2025, the UK brick manufacturing sector produced 1,557 million bricks. This equated to around 82% of the UK brick market, with under 20% being met by imports. Brick imports increased by 11% on the previous year.

The Government is working with the sector to encourage domestic production by addressing electricity costs, through the British Industry Supercharger and through the Ceramics Industry Support Scheme which will also be open to the sector when it is formally launched.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what actions he is taking to ensure that each UK embassy and consulate around the world is using British made tableware.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) does not have a specific policy to buy British crockery or tableware for embassies or consulates or the Heads of Mission Residences; however, there is a pattern requirement which often necessitates the use of specific (British) suppliers.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, how many meetings have taken place within the department and appropriate predecessor departments to consider the responses to the consultation on retaining and expanding access to market for small and independent brewers since 22nd October 2025.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The Government recognises the important contribution that pubs and small and independent breweries make to local economies and communities across the country, and remains committed to supporting a diverse and competitive beer and pub sector.

Over the last six months I have met with all interested stakeholders directly to consider the evidence received through the review of the beer market and I have discussed this evidence in detail with policy experts within my department.

However, The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) recently wrote to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) requesting a market investigation into this area. Given the CMA's role as the UK's independent competition regulator, it is important that the CMA is given the opportunity to consider that request.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, whether he plans to publish the outcome of the consultation on access to market for small and independent brewers before Christmas recess 2026.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The Government recognises the important contribution that pubs and small and independent breweries make to local economies and communities across the country, and remains committed to supporting a diverse and competitive beer and pub sector.

Over the last six months I have met with all interested stakeholders directly to consider the evidence received through the review of the beer market and I have discussed this evidence in detail with policy experts within my department.

However, The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) recently wrote to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) requesting a market investigation into this area. Given the CMA's role as the UK's independent competition regulator, it is important that the CMA is given the opportunity to consider that request.

Found: Hastings and Rye) Andrew Pakes (Labour; Peterborough) David Pinto-Duschinsky (Labour; Hendon) Gareth Snell

Found: sectorCommittedLondonOffice of Ed Miliband MPLondonSW1A 0AAPublic sectorCommittedLondonOffice of Gareth Snell

Found: Committed London Office of Ed Miliband MP London SW1A 0AA Public sector Committed London Office of Gareth Snell