David Chadwick has pressed the UK Government on what it is doing to help small businesses, especially pubs and restaurants, deal with soaring energy bills - but received little in the way of a direct answer.

Raising the issue in the House of Commons yesterday, the Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe MP welcomed the Government’s reintroduction of an industrial strategy, which he said is vital for spreading good jobs across the UK.

He told Business Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds: “In my constituency, the hospitality industry is crucial to our local economy as it boosts tourism, creates jobs and helps with rural regeneration. But it is struggling with sky-high energy costs.

“What is the Secretary of State doing to ensure that SMEs in all sectors of our economy, particularly pubs and restaurants, receive better support with their energy costs?”

In response, Mr Reynolds spoke about large-scale investment in the hospitality sector, citing a major Universal Studios theme park project in Bedfordshire that is expected to create 8,000 jobs.

He told Mr Chadwick: “People should recognise that there is a direct relationship between what we are doing here, what we are trying to get more of and the kind of benefits that the hon. Gentleman talks about.

“We have set a target of 50 million visitors by 2030, so such issues are represented in the strategy.

“Some of the issues that are not covered will be in the small business plan, which will come out imminently next month.”

Speaking after the exchange, Mr Chadwick said: “I was disappointed with the response and will continue to press for more SMEs [small and medium-sized enterprises], including hospitality businesses, to benefit from reductions to energy bills.”