During a debate on the Government’s proposals for reform of the pub industry, Anne Main highlights the importance to the economy of tourism and pubs.

Mrs Anne Main (St Albans) (Con): The headquarters of the Campaign for Real Ale is in my constituency, and we host the annual beer festival. I completely concur with the hon. Lady on the importance of tourism and pubs together. Tourism and pubs mean not just casual drinking, but major economic activity in the local area, and she is right to highlight that.

Caroline Lucas: I thank the hon. Lady for her intervention. I agree that pubs are good not just for the community, but for the local economy—in fact, they are often essential to it.

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