To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what representations he has received about the effects on residents of the introduction of Sunday markets;(2) whether he intends to take any action to control the spread of Sunday markets.

The Department has received a small number of representations about Sunday markets during the last 12 months. The representations have commonly raised issues relating to noise nuisance, traffic congestion, permitted development rights, unauthorised operators, and amenity.Local authorities already have a variety of statutory powers to control markets, and my right hon. Friend has no plans for further legislation.