Face-to-face meat and fish trade given go ahead at New Covent Garden Market

Defra today welcomed the House of Lords' decision to allow, for the first time, face-to-face trading of meat and fish at New Covent Garden Market, Nine Elms in central London.

The Lords' decision overturns an earlier Court of Appeal ruling which supported the Corporation of London's Application for Judicial Review of Defra's decision to authorise such trading. The Corporation of London's Application for Judicial Review was initially rejected by the High Court.

Jeff Rooker, Minister for Sustainable Farming and Food, said:

“We welcome the House of Lords' decision today to allow tenants at New Covent Garden Market to trade face-to-face with buyers in meat and fish as well as fruit, vegetables and flowers.”

“Now, for the first time, customers will be able to meet all their needs at a one-stop shop under one market roof.”

“This decision will help to support and sustain the market in the years ahead because it takes into account the changing nature of the demands placed upon it, especially from London's restaurant and catering trade. “

“It remains the Government's policy to disengage from its involvement in the running of New Covent Garden Market, as soon as the necessary arrangements can be made.”

“But in doing so we will aim to secure arrangements that maintain the Market as a going concern so that it is able to accommodate the businesses which are established there and develop for itself a viable and sustainable future.”

Notes to editors

1. Legislation governing New Covent Garden Market requires the consent of the Secretary of State before trading in non-horticultural products, subject to consideration of the circumstances of each case.

2. New Covent Garden Market is the leading wholesale market for fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers and the leading centre for specialist catering distributors in London. There are some 250 companies at the site employing over 2,500 people. The Market's annual total turnover is over £500 million. For more information see www.cgma.gov.uk.

3. Covent Garden Market Authority is a statutory corporation responsible for running New Covent Garden Market and made a £1.4 million pre-tax surplus for the year ended 31st March 2005. The Authority owns the freehold of the 56 acres at Nine Elms.

4. Key dates:

June 2003 - Ministerial approval for face-to-face trading of meat and fish at NCGM.

October 2003 - City Corporation seek Judicial Review of face-to-face trading at NCGM.

December 2003 - High Court ‘on paper' hearing rejects Corporation's application.

February 2004 - High Court oral hearing rejects Corporation's application.

December 2004 - Court of Appeal overturns earlier decisions and finds in favour of City Corporation.

May 2005 - Defra and CGMA granted unconditional leave to appeal to House of Lords.

March 2006 - House of Lords hear the case.

June 2006 - House of Lords' judgment.

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