HC Deb 14 October 1969 vol 788 cc197-8
27. Mr. Dodds-Parker

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Govern- ment whether he will, through local authorities, establish standards of sanitation on caravan sites and extend the number of temporary places on such sites for the use of holidaymakers.

Mr. Denis Howell

Questions of sanitation and the acceptable number of caravans per site are controlled by local authorities through site licences. This is a subject of increasing importance, therefore my right hon. Friend has decided to establish a working party to examine these matters and to take account of all the interests involved.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

In view of the contribution that these sites can make to the increasing number of holiday-makers, particularly from overseas, may I thank the hon. Gentleman for his reply and ask him to consider urging local authorities to do something about this while there is still time?

Mr. Howell

The point of that question is not lost upon us, but the hon. Member will understand that there are balancing considerations. We think it right to have this looked at and the urgency of having it looked at is something we shall keep very much in mind.

Mr. Lubbock

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that although local authorities have had power to impose conditions not only in regard to sanitation and other facilities in residential areas since the passing of the Caravan Sites Control of Development Act, 1960, many of them have not exercised their powers and they set a bad example on sites which they own? Will he take steps to get the maximum number of local authorities to exercise these powers and also with a view to making them mandatory?

Mr. Howell

There is some substance in the first part of the hon. Member's supplementary question, but in view of the principle accepted everywhere about freedom of local authorities to control their own affairs, we felt this to be the right course. We think it better to deal with the matter by having the working party in the first instance.