During the cut and thrust of political debate, particularly on the national stage, we have become used to politicians answering a different question to the one asked.

It is used both as a method to evade a direct answer or get out the prescribed message and crowbar in meaningless buzzwords such as hard-working families or long-term economic plans.

But now this disease, which grows worse during election campaigns, is beginning to afflict our local friends, and over the least politically sensitive issues. In this case the decision to name Birmingham’s newest major regeneration project – the redevelopment of the Wholesale Market site – Smithfield.

A couple of backbench councillors, Tristan Chatfield and Ewan Mackey, had the temerity to suggest that the London Smithfield is already very famous and probably takes the first thousand places on a google search for Smithfield.

Prince Charles at the other Smithfield in1980.

Might it, from a marketing perspective, be better to choose something different or unique they asked. We already have a Grand Central at New Street which is never likely to shift its more famous counterpart from google’s global notoriety ranking.

Of course, the name Smithfield has history. There was a Birmingham Smithfield going back to the early 19th Century and it has only fallen into disuse in the 40 years since the Wholesale Markets were built.

But rather than answer the question about marketing and branding, the council, including leader Sir Albert Bore at Cabinet, have simply restated that it was a historic name. This is something which was never disputed.

I was even presented with a write-up of the history stating that the Smithfield Cattle Market opened there in 1816 and along with the Old St Martin’s Market went through various incarnations until 1974 when the current complex was built.

Helpfully some readers were more open to the possibility of a different name, coming up with among other ideas; White Dee Walkway, the Generic Shopping Experience, Mordor, Benny’s Crossroads, Market Square, The We’re still better than Manchester Boulevard and, in honour of the Peaky Blinders, Tommy Shelbyville.

Some others thought a name in recognition of Matthew Boulton or Joseph Priestley would be fitting. (Politician and would-be councillor Matt Bennett also thinks he has an idea for a good nightclub name on the old Cattle Market site).

Of course, a few more sensible types quite liked Smithfield and felt we should not be influenced by the fact London has a more famous namesake. All the councillors were asking was: Has the best name been picked?

The council chose not to answer the question. But having looked at the alternatives, perhaps it has.