§ Mr. MilburnTo ask the President of the Board of Trade how many representations he has received(a) in favour and (b) opposed to deregulating town centre markets.
§ Mr. Neil HamiltonMy Department has received 40 representations from individuals, local authorities, trade associations and businesses on the Government's proposals to deregulate market charter rights, of which eight express support. However, many of those opposed to the proposal do so under the misapprehension that charter rights provisions may be used to halt generally by way of permanent injunction other markets which may cause local nuisance. This is, only so in limited circumstances—where the rival market is held on the same day as the charter market or where, if not held on the same day, it can be demonstrated that direct financial loss has occurred thereby.