Talks are underway on a possible transfer of the Valletta open market to Ordinance Street, close to the entrance of Valletta, economic affairs minister Chris Cardona said this evening.

He was replying to a parliamentary question by Jason Azzopardi. He also asked if a deal had been reached between the Labour Party and the hawkers before the general election, and whether this could see stalls being set up right next to the new Parliament House designed by Renzo Piano.

The minister said he could not speak in parliament on what was agreed or otherwise by the PL, However, government talks on the issue were still under way and he could not give further details.

The open market stalls are currently set up in Marchants' Street during weekdays and at Horn Works Ditch outside Floriana on Sunday mornings.