§ 18. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Health if he will now make a statement as to the possibility of dealing with the serious position that has arisen for gipsies to find places where they and their caravans can be accommodated.
§ The Minister of Town and Country Planning (Mr. Dalton)I have been asked to reply to this and other questions addressed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has set on foot, through chief constables, certain inquiries as to the extent of this problem.
§ Mr. DoddsIs my right hon. Friend aware that the information he has given that action is to be taken in the interests of the gipsies will be received with relief by 20,000 gipsies, many of whom are very decent people, who are being hounded by the police and local authorities?
§ Earl WintertonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is considerable sympathy in many country districts for these gipsies who are being unduly harried both by local authorities and the police? This is a human problem of some magnitude. Will he give personal attention to it?
§ Mr. DaltonI am certain that the Home Secretary, who is primarily investigating this matter, will approach it in a very human way.