Brezk-íslenzk viðskipti - 01.05.1947, Blaðsíða 22

Brezk-íslenzk viðskipti - 01.05.1947, Blaðsíða 22
BRETLAND OG ÍSLAND, Maí, 1947 by The Editor BILLINGSGATE TRONG opposition to the “ ironing out” _ of Billingsgate Fish Market by the London Town Planning Experts has been received from fish salesmen. The debate at last week’s Common Council, when a decision was made to remove Billingsgate Fish Market, lacked reality. It was a hasty decision, every argument seemed to have reference, not to the desirability or otherwise of removal, but to fear of the Minister of Town and Country Planning. Sir Cuthbert Whitaker, usually so coldly logical, frankly said that if the Court did not decide to remove, Mr. Silkin would intervene. BRETLAND OG ÍSLAND sent a representative to Billingsgate Fish Market this week, and he found opinion against removal among the fish salesmen far from negligible. Indeed, very few expressed approval, and such reluctant consent as was given was discounted by many doubts. Many of the leading fish salesmen refused to express an opinion in such a way that it is clear they they are opposed to the scheme. The removal of Billingsgate Fish Market to North London would certainly be detrimental to the trade. Notwithstanding the fact that little fish now comes to market by water, fish sales- men value the waterside site, which is of great potential importance, they believe that trade can be carried on with the Scandinavian countries as was the case before the Wars. They believe that the space available at Billingsgate is sufficient considering the tendency towards better quality fish. However, during January, 8,945 tons of fish were delivered at Billingsgate Market, against 10,375 tons in January, 1946. Of this 55 tons were condemned against only 18 tons in the corresponding period of 1946. This was .615%, or 1 ton in 162.416 tons against .168% or 1 ton in 593,541 tons. Of the total tonnage delivered in January, only 11 tons came by water. Mr. E. W. Young, of Lawrence Brothers, was adamant in his opposition. To uproot Billingsgate would break the whole tradition of the fish trade. Merchants would lose contacts with retailers who might in the end by-pass London altogether to the detriment of the whole con- ception and the great injury of Londoners from the point of view of price and supply. Mr. S. C. Chalmers, who has traded at Billingsgate for 45 years holds similar view, believes the waterside site essential, and expressed the opinion that a move would disrupt the trade. Mr. S. C. Block added that, with the port facilities gone, the coast markets would monopolise trade which would be lost to Billingsgate merchants altogether. These are but a sample of the views of the merchants who were seen by our reporter. All refer to the value of the Market in giving London and indeed, the Metro- politan area, magnificent, steady and ample supply of fish of all grades at the cheapest price. Billingsgate is one of the markets of the City which is a conglomeration of markets. To move it because Town Planners want an arterial road is the negation of planning. The Market and its service to the public comes first. Without markets the City of London would need no roads, no wharves and no planners. 22

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