Saphir's preferred route would be to release Smithfield and Billingsgate for alternative uses. This would be linked to sufficient funding to redevelop New Covent Garden, allowing government to devolve ownership at a realistic value, with the Corporation of London given the option to choose whether it wishes to remain invested in markets.
Michael Holmes, chairman of the NFU horticultural division said that he expected the union to present a united front with the CGMA as discussions continued.
