Speaking in a debate on the future of pubs, Mr Hart highlighted the red tape and bureaucracy faced by many publicans, especially those sited in National Parks.

"We have allowed these institutions to be strangled by red tape and regulation," he said. "We have allowed them to be strangled by increased alcohol duty and by layer upon layer of increased planning restrictions, which constrict the ability of businesses to grow."

He asked the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Robert Neill to ensure that pubs trying to operate in National Parks were not at a disadvantage.

"I make a special plea, will he spare a thought for those institutions that have to operate in National Parks?" asked Mr Hart. "I hope that National Parks across the UK see it as their duty to enable good local community institutions and businesses to grow.

"Their job is not to stop growth but to enable it in a way that is sympathetic to the Park."

Mr Hart spoke about the importance of pubs to local communities and the fact that they play a vital role in village life and paid tribute to one of his favourite pubs – The Cresselly Arms, known by everyone as the "Quay".

"There is a little place in Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire called Cresswell Quay with a pub called the Cresselly Arms, run by a great and old friend of mine.

"In that pub we used to gossip, talk, commiserate, celebrate and do almost everything other than simply drink and smoke"

"Without a shadow of a doubt, it was the one place to which everybody turned at any time of year, for various reasons.

"In the far flung corners of Britain the pub is more than just a convenient place to go for a pint, and their closure is a great deal more than just a minor inconvenience."

*Mr Hart also welcomed the news that communities are to get the chance to buy their local pubs if they are threatened with closure.

Under the Localism Bill unveiled on Monday (13th) residents will be able to draw up a list of assets they'd like to protect such as shops, pubs and leisure centres.

If one of these assets is then due to go on the market, the sale would be delayed and a "community countdown" triggered which would give people time to prepare a business plan and raise funds to bid.

"Too many of these vital services have been lost to our communities and this is a great way to give them a better chance of surviving," said Mr Hart.