§ Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domerasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they intend to reform the law with regard to charter markets; and whether they are aware of any cases where the current law relating to markets has prevented a farmers' market from taking place. [HL2865]
§ Lord WhittyThe previous government reviewed the charter market arrangements in 1993. At the time, local government and businesses strongly favoured the retention of the arrangements, which were seen as a valuable control on car boot sales and other temporary uses. The Government are currently conducting research to ascertain whether local authorities' existing powers to control such temporary uses are.sufficient.
We are aware of recent claims that the establishment and expansion of some farmers' markets have been inhibited by the charter market arrangements. The Government will consider whether to review the current arrangements in the light of the research.