MR. T. DA.VIES (Fulham)To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has been approached by the Corporation of the City of London with a view to handing over to them Custom House Quay for the purpose of utilising it in the extension of Billingsgate Market; whether he is aware of the boon this open space has been to hundreds of toilers in this congested district since the Metropolitan. Public Gardens Association has been allowed to place seats and plant trees on the quay; and whether he will refuse to grant the request of the City Corporation.
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. ASQUITH,) Fife, E.I recently received a deputation from the City Corporation and other bodies asking me to allow the quay to be used between certain hours and subject to certain conditions, to relieve the congestion which exists in connection with the Billingsgate Market. I have not yet given a reply to the request of the Corporation, and, in considering the Question, I certainly shall not fail to bear in mind the important aspect of it to which my hon. friend refers.