§ MR. T. SKEWES-COX (Surrey, Kingston)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the necessity of giving powers to County Councils, or other authorities to deal with the question of gipsies and dwellers in tents and vans; and, whether he can now promise to introduce a Bill on the subject at an early date?
§ SIR MATTHEW WHITE RIDLEYProvision is already made in Section 9 of the Housing of the Working Classes Act 1895, enabling local authorities to deal by means of bye-laws with nuisances caused by dwellers in tents and vans. This power, however, has been used in a very small number of cases only; and in these circumstances it can hardly be said, I think, that there is a case for further legislation.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)Do these powers apply to Primrose League vans?
§ SIR MATTHEW WHITE RIDLEYThey apply only to persons who cause a nuisance. [Laugher and cheers.]