Mr. WellsI beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House, under Standing Order No. 9, for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration, namely,
The threat to London's fruit and vegetable prices, caused by the proposal to introduce tolls on all goods sold in the new Covent Garden market at Nine Elms.This matter is urgent because the market authority meets the tenants this afternoon with a view to imposing these tolls. It is important because I understand from the market authority's tenants that 55 per cent. of the nation's fruit and vegetables passes through the market. I had understood that it was only 55 per cent. of London's fruit and vegetables. Nevertheless, this is a large percentage of the nation's fruit and vegetables.If this is allowed to happen, there will be an immediate increase in the price of fresh fruit and vegetables to the nation's housewives. Therefore, I seek leave to move the adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 9.
§ Mr. SpeakerAs the hon. Member knows, mine is purely a procedural decision. I have to decide whether to disrupt business today or tomorrow for that purpose. The hon. Gentleman has made his point, but it must remain there. I am not prepared to allow the application.