§ 21. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what progress has been made by the Kent County Council since 1st August, 1962, in securing the proposed 10 sites for gypsies and other travellers; what are the prospects of securing other sites during the next six months; and how many are expected to be ready for occupation by next autumn.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Mr. F. V. Corfield)I understand that the Kent County Council has suggested 10 sites and that the district councils concerned have been examining these and possible alternatives. The county council hopes that at least five sites will be available by next summer. Progress in implementing the scheme may, however, be affected if there are local objections to the sites proposed.
§ Mr. DoddsDoes the Parliamentary Secretary agree that there have been no sites promised yet? Is not this a disgrace, after all the other promises that have been made over past months? Will he beware of the fine words of the Kent County Council which tries to buy time? Is he aware that that council has been offered a site but it has found an objec- 1486 tion to it which, if it is sustained, means that there will never be any sites obtained because there are no perfect sites?
§ Mr. CorfieldI am not aware of the details of the site to which the hon. Gentleman refers. If he will send them to me, I will look into the matter. I would remind him that I held a meeting of representatives of the county councils concerned in the Home Counties on the 13th of last month and discussed and reviewed the progress made. I am satisfied that the county councils appreciate the urgency of the problem and that they are using their best endeavours to see that sites are provided. The Kent County Council was specifically informed on 28th November by my right hon. Friend of his concern and asked when the necessary sites would be available.
§ Mr. DoddsI thank the hon. Gentleman for what he has done. Is he aware that the site I am referring to is in the area of the Mailing Rural District Council, which is anxious to make its contribution in solving this human problem?
§ Mr. CorfieldI will look into that.