HC Deb 26 March 1963 vol 674 cc1104-5
20. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs in view of the need for sites for gypsies and other travellers in Kent, what progress has been made in the proposal by the Kent County Council to establish 10 sites; how many have been secured; in how many instances negotiations are proceeding; and what are the prospects for next winter.

Mr. Corfield

One site is already in operation; applications for the use of three other sites are now before my right hon. Friend for determination. I understand that negotiations are proceeding in respect of a number of other sites and that six to seven sites should be in operation in the county for next winter.

Mr. Dodds

Believing that a genuine attempt is now being made to find the sites, may I ask the hon. Gentleman to keep an eye on the matter, since this promise was made for last winter? Will he do what he can to see that I am relieved of pressure this winter?

Mr. Corfield

Yes, I can assure the hon. Gentleman on this. I have had a number of meetings with the local authorities concerned and I am satisfied that Kent really is determined to press ahead and provide the necessary sites. But, as the hon. Gentleman will realise, there is a great deal of public opposition in these areas and this does delay matters.

Mr. C. Hughes

To what extent are the authorities exercising the powers of the Caravan Sites Act, 1960, under which they have power to acquire sites for this kind of purpose?

Mr. Corfield

This is the crux of the problem. Some of the sites concerned are those put forward on behalf of local authorities to be run by them, and they are awaiting planning permission.

27. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what reply has been sent to those parts of the letter of the General Secretary of the National Farmers' Union, dated 28th February, in respect to the gypsy camp at Cobham, Kent, which relate to the responsibilities of his Department.

Mr. Corfield

I am sending the hen, Member the relevant extracts from the Department's reply.

Mr. Dodds

In view of the helpful attitude adopted by the hon. Gentleman's Department regarding the gypsy problem, may I ask whether he is aware that there is not one word of truth in the allegation that over 100 head of poultry were stolen from a local farmer; that two of the thieves from my camp are awaiting trial and that local farm workers are afraid of retaliatory action by the gypsies if they give evidence? Is he aware that I am prepared to make this statement outside the House? Does not he think it shameful that the general secretary of the National Farmers' Union should make such a diabolical allegation to his Department when there is not one single word of truth in it and that he should do so without investigating the matter?

Mr. Corfield

I think it quite clear that the letter referred to was based on a number of misunderstandings which I hope the Department's reply will help to clear up. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will agree that in view of the present difficulties in finding sites for gypsies, there is no object in exacerbating feelings by my saying anything further on this point.

Mr. Dodds

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall endeavour to raise the matter on the Adjournment.

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