§ 28. Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received on the effect of the Deregulation and Contracting Out Bill on local markets.
§ Mr. Neil HamiltonMy Department has received some 120 representations from individuals, local authorities, trade associations and businesses on the Government's proposals to deregulate market franchise rights, of which 16 express support. Many of those who oppose the proposal do so under the misapprehension that it will abolish the right of local authorities to continue to hold markets and collect rents. Clauses 21 to 23 of the Deregulation and Contracting Out Bill would remove rights of local authorities with market franchises to object to proposals to set up competing markets within six and two thirds of a mile of their own. Other opponents believe that removing market franchise rights will remove controls over other markets which may cause a local nuisance. Market franchise rights can only be used against rival markets held on the same day as the franchise market or where, if not held on the same day, it can be demonstrated that the owner of the franchise has suffered actual loss. A range of powers is available to local authorities to control any undesirable consequences arising from other markets.