§ Mr. ColvinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many complaints his Department has received regarding market charters.
§ Mr. Robin SquireMy Department has received 15 such complaints since 1 January 1991.
§ Mr. ColvinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what guidance his Department gives to local284W authority charter holders as to the terms they can require for the granting of their consent for a new market within their charter area.
§ Mr. Robin SquireNone. Any such terms are a matter for negotiation between the franchise holder and the operator of such a new market. We are, however, concerned that the existence of market franchise rights may impose undue restriction on the development of local enterprise and are reviewing these rights as part of the Department's deregulation programme.