HC Deb 12 July 1962 vol 662 cc1507-10
31. Mr. M. Stewart

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what information he has received from county councils in reply to his Circular No. 6/62 of 8th February, 1962, concerning gypsies; and whether he will publish this information.

33. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what has been the response of local authorities in England and Wales to Circular No. 6/62 in respect to gypsies and other travellers; and if he will state the prospects of providing sites for next winter so that those who are now employed on farms and other seasonal work will in due course find sanctuary within the law.

37. Mr. J. Wells

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he will make a statement on the response of the county councils to his Circular No. 6/62 of 8th February, 1962, on the gypsy problem.

39. Mr. Pavitt

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what progress has been made in ascertaining the extent of the gypsy problem to be dealt with in England and Wales as the result of his Circular No. 6/62 dated 8th February; what estimate he has made of the problems which will arise next winter; and what action he will take to deal with the situation.

40. Mr. Awbery

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what developments have taken place arising out of his circular to local authorities asking them to provide proper sites and reasonable conditions for the gypsy fraternity; and which authorities have now requested advice or assistance from his department.

42. Dr. D. Johnson

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he will make a statement on the response to his Circular No. 6/62.of 8th February, 1962, on the gypsy problem.

43. Mr. Owen

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what cooperation is being received from county councils, following the issue of Circular 6/62 on the gypsy problem.

Mr. Rippon

Of the 62 county councils in England and Wales, 18 have stated that they have no gypsy problem, 12 are considering the provision of special sites, 10 have made or are making surveys, the results of which are not yet available, and 22 have not yet replied.

The replies so far received suggest that the need for special sites is more local than general, and that it arises mainly in the Home Counties. My right hon. Friend has no reason to think that it is beyond the capacity of the county councils and local authorities concerned to ensure that proper sites are available where required.

Though the practical results of the circular are bound to be slow in coming, it has helped to create a greater awareness of this very difficult problem and has resulted in some positive steps. When all the replies to the circular are received, my right hon. Friend will consider whether any further action is called for.

Mr. Stewart

Does not the hon. Gentleman agree that it is desirable that any action that can be taken should be taken before winter? Will he bear that in mind during the coming months?

Mr. Rippon

I am sure that is right, but I am equally sure that local authorities will do their best to ensure that the necessary sites are ready. That is certainly their duty.

Mr. Dodds

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it has come to my notice that in many areas no surveys have been taken, while many of these families have gone to the farms in the usual way and will not be included in surveys because they have accommodation at present? Is the Minister satisfied that enough has been done to ensure that next winter these human beings will not once again be treated as human shuttlecocks, which is a terrible disgrace for this country in 1962?

Mr. Rippon

I will certainly undertake to look into any case the hon. Gentleman refers me to. I know the interest he has taken in this matter throughout. We are not satisfied with the progress that has been made, but we feel that the local authorities are in a position to deal with the matter if they so choose.

Mr. Awbery

Will the Minister urge the 22 authorities which have not yet replied to his circular to give greater attention to this problem and to bear in mind the human side of it and the fact that these people will be out in the weather during the winter?

Mr. Rippon

We sent a reminder on 26th June to those which had not replied. If that does not produce results, we shall certainly press them harder.

Mr. Marsh

Has the hon. Gentleman seen the deplorable state of affairs on the A.2, the main Dover-London Road, 20 miles from central London, where small children are living on the side of the road, and have been for many months, in hovels and under conditions which would be deplorable in any under-developed part of the world? What are the Government proposing to do about it?

Mr. Rippon

Yes, Sir, I have seen it and it is deplorable. I have discussed the matter with representatives of the Kent County Council which is meeting the district councils next week, and I hope that some action will follow.