§ Baroness Byfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Whitty on 9 February (WA 138), what progress has been made by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Corporation of London on the future of the four City of London markets at Billingsgate, Covent Garden, Smithfield and Spitalfields. [HL4603]
§ Lord WhittyAs I said in my reply of 9 February (col.WA 138), the future of Billingsgate, Smithfield and Spitalfields markets is a matter for the Corporation of London. It remains government policy to withdraw from involvement in the operation of New Covent Garden Market, while ensuring the market operation remains. The department is working towards that end. We remain in touch with the Corporation of London and other interested parties on this issue.