§ 8. Mr. Murrayasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what are his plans for legislation for the protection of residential caravan dwellers.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Mr. James MacColl)My right hon. Friend cannot promise any early legislation on this matter. We are continuing to consider what is the best way of dealing with this problem, but it is too early to make any definite proposals.
§ Mr. MurrayI thank my hon. Friend for that reply, but would not he agree that it is a very serious matter that residents of caravan sites are being exploited, and that legislation is urgent and necessary?
§ Mr. MacCollIn general, I agree with my hon. Friend. As he knows, we are awaiting the Report of the Consumer Council which has been examining this problem, and I think that the Report will be of great help to us.
§ Sir H. HarrisonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that, generally, there is a shortage of sites and that authorities are slow in giving planning permission for the extra sites which are required? Many people want to live in caravans.
§ Mr. MacCollThere are difficulties about caravan sites. They tend to take up a lot of ground, and they sometimes create amenity problems in areas of scenic beauty.