HC Deb 08 April 1971 vol 815 cc676-7
47. Mr. Edward Lyons

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to publish the result of the public inquiry relating to the future of Kirkgate Market, Bradford.

The Minister for Local Government and Development (Mr. Graham Page)

As I informed my hon. Friend the Member for Bradford, West (Mr. Wilkinson) on 5th April, my right hon. Friend hopes to announce a decision soon after Easter.

Mr. Lyons

Is the hon. Member aware that many people in Bradford have great affection for this Victorian Kirk-gate Market, which many thousands visit weekly, and that they are waiting with increasing impatience and great anxiety for the outcome of his deliberations? Will he seek to ensure that the decision comes as fast as it possibly can?

Mr. Page

I have said that it will come after Easter. It was a compulsory purchase order for only one-third of an acre but it was a key site in a development area and was bound to raise difficult problems. The decision will come as quickly as possible.