HC Deb 02 March 1964 vol 690 cc906-7
20. Mr. John Hall

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the Covent Garden Market Authority has now completed its studies of all the possible alternative sites for the Market; what recommendations it has made; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Soames

I cannot answer directly for the Authority, but it has assured me that it is doing all it can to reach a conclusion by the end of the month on whether the Nine Elms area offers a suitable site for the new market.

Mr. Hall

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Authority appointed experts to consider alternative sites as long ago as 3rd April, 1962? In view of the fact that there is a statutory obligation upon the Authority to build the new market by 1968, does not my right hon. Friend think that in view of the time which it has taken so far, a considerable speeding up is necessary?

Mr. Soames

The Authority commissioned the report from a company called the Fantus Company and received it last year. After examination of the report which recommended a certain site, various representations were made to the Authority by interested bodies, both within and outside the market, that there was a better site at Nine Elms. In addition, since the report was received, more land has become available at this site which may make it preferable. I share my hon. Friend's desire that we should proceed as quickly as possible, but the Authority is a statutory body and I assure him that it has no less of a sense of urgency in this matter than does my hon. Friend or myself. My hon. Friend would, I think, agree that we need to be absolutely certain that the site chosen for this very considerable market is the right one.

Mr. Peart

Is the Minister aware that he must also share the lack of decision in this matter? Is he further aware that over and over again the Opposition have pressed this point? When will the Government take a decision? The need to have a major market with proper transport facilities is an important matter and we need a decision now.

Mr. Soames

As to sharing responsibility, this is a responsibility which has been placed by Parliament upon the Authority, a statutory body. It is for that Authority to come forward with its plans. It has assured me that it hopes to come forward with them by the end of this month.

Mr. Hall

If the Authority hopes to arrive at a decision by the end of the month, has it been able to give my right hon. Friend any estimate of how long it is likely to take thereafter to build upon the site which is selected?

Mr. Soames

I am expecting that this will be a feature of the Report.

Mr. Peart

But when shall we have it?