§ 34. Mr. Remnantasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what advice he has given to his regional officers in regard to the granting of planning approval for caravan sites.
§ Mr. H. BrookeMy regional officers have no authority to grant or to refuse planning approval for any form of development. That is a matter for the local planning authority, or for me on appeal. I am at present reviewing the policy on caravan sites in the light of 208 discussions which my Department has had with the local authority associations and with caravan organisations.
§ Mr. RemnantWhile that may be true, will my right hon. Friend please hasten that decision, since he is, no doubt, aware that the position as regards caravan sites at the moment is quite chaotic, and, unless some direction is given, site owners will take the law into their hands, and matters will take much longer to put right in the end?
§ Mr. BrookeI hope that nobody will contravene the law. I can assure my hon. Friend and the House that I realise the importance of this. There is a great clash of opinion, and I am anxious to find a solution which will be generally acceptable.