§ 57. Miss HoeyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he last met the chairman of the Covent Garden Market Authority; and what was discussed.
§ Mr. CurryI last met the chairman of the Covent Garden Market Authority on 1 March when we discussed a number of matters of mutual interest on the present and future operation of the market. I am now able to announce my conclusions following the study commissioned last year into the future of the Covent Garden market.
I have decided that in principle legislation should be presented, at a suitable opportunity, to dispose of the assets of the authority.
As foreshadowed in my reply to the hon. Member's question on 27 February, [Official Report, column 108], I am today arranging for a summary of the report to be placed in the Library of the House.
I am also today writing to the chairman of the Market Tenants Association to inform him of this decision and will see that tenants' views are taken into account in framing detailed proposals.
The authority will be shortly opening negotiations with the tenants about new leases to replace those that expire in March 1991.