HC Deb 12 March 1957 vol 566 cc971-2
38. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if his Department will make inquiries on a national basis in order to ascertain approximately the number of persons other than gipsies or similar itinerants who are living permanently in caravans or similar accommodation.

Mr. Bevins

No. Sir.

Mr. Sorensen

In view of the fact that large numbers of people living in caravans not from choice but of necessity desire to get into more adequate accommodation, does the hon. Gentleman not consider that it would be advantageous, in order to secure a fair overall picture, to make some inquiry as to the estimated number of people living in those dwellings?

Mr. Bevins

My right hon. Friend knows the broad picture fairly well, but I would add that we are in consultation with both the local authorities and the caravan interests on this subject, and we know that there is a good deal of feeling about it on both sides of the House.

Mr. Gower

Would my hon. Friend bear in mind that there are some people in the country who actually like living in caravans, and that unfortunately some local authorities seem to regard such people as people to be crushed out of existence?