'We want our World Cup tipple!' - Ian Austin demands help over beer bottling disruption
'What's the Government going to do to sort this out so we can all enjoy a beer during the World Cup?'
Dudley North MP Ian Austin raised the ceasing of production at Holden's Bottling Company in Woodsetton due to a carbon dioxide shortage in Parliament today.
And he called on the Prime Minister Theresa May to ensure supplies to the plant, in George Street, start again in time for the football World Cup.
The company, which has around 25 workers, stopped production on Monday and is not expecting its next CO2 delivery for 'two to three weeks'.
Speaking during Prime Minister's Questions, Mr Austin said: "Everyone knows that Black Country brewers brew the best beer in Britain.
"Holden's in Dudley has been bottling beer continuously for 75 years, even through the war, but along with other producers they have had to seize production this week because of the European CO2 shortage."
"What's the Government going to sort this out so we can all enjoy a beer during the World Cup."
WATCH: Ian Austin demands support from the Prime Minister
In response, Mrs May said the matter was 'predominantly commercial'.
She added: "I'm aware of the reports of shortages across Europe.
"I know the industry is working on the solution but although its an issue for industry the Government is in regular contact with the UK producer, distribution and the consuming companies and trade associations including those within the food and drink sector.
"But he's (Mr Austin) raised his point well and I'm sure all those involved will be working hard to ensure his aim can be achieved."
Holden's Bottling Company operations director Mark Hammond said: "I want to thank Ian Austin for raising the point, we have been trying to raise awareness of the situation for some weeks now.
"The response [from Theresa May] was not satisfactory. She says it is a commercial matter, but it becomes more than commercial when it's about people's jobs."
The firm receives CO2 from Air Products, getting its last batch on June 15. It produces 80,000 bottles a week for 80 brewers, including Holden's Brewery.
The CO2 shortage has been caused by a combination of production plants closing down for routine maintenance and an increase in demand due to the weather and World Cup.
Also during Prime Minister's Questions today, Mrs May said the Cross of St George will fly over 10 Downing Street for each of England's remaining World Cup matches and for next year's women's tournament.
She will also be encouraging other departments across Whitehall to adopt the practice for the team's remaining clashes in Russia.
England play Belgium in the final round of group games with qualification to the next stage already guaranteed.
Kick-off is at 7pm.
