§ 21. Mr. E. Fletcherasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his Department, in conjunction with the London County Council has now acquired the site at the junction of Old Street and City Road to be used by the proposed Covent Garden Market Authority for the storage of empty containers and produce in bulk.
§ Mr. John HareThe London County Council is still negotiating for the site and I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on 2nd November, 1959.
§ Mr. FletcherWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind, in view of the assurances given in the House about this matter at an earlier date, that there is natural concern that the negotiations shall proceed as swiftly as possible?
§ Mr. HareThe hon. Member and I have had many connections with the London County Council, and I am sure that we can rely on its carrying out the negotiations with the greatest possible expedition.
§ Sir G. NicholsonIs my right hon. Friend aware that there is considerable feeling in the borough of Finsbury about this? Is he aware that, rightly or wrongly, it is felt that London County Council has ridden roughshod over the borough of Finsbury? Is he aware that the borough holds strong views on the unsuitability of this site and that there are other sites, such as the Caledonian Market, which are much more suitable? Will my right hon. Friend reopen the question to ensure that one of the smaller London boroughs is not overridden in this not very appropriate manner?
§ Mr. HareIf Finsbury Borough Council makes representations, naturally we shall consider them, but the Answer is as I have given to my hon. Friend.