§ 2. Mr. Skeetasked the Minister of State for Defence why he is not prepared to issue proceedings for trespass for the removal of a gipsy encampment on Ministry land in the village of Clapham, Bedfordshire when the villagers have complained to him about lowering of standards and general nuisance.
§ The Minister of State for Defence Procurement (Mr. Ian Gilmour)The Government are reluctant to seek the removal of gipsy encampments by court action, when there is no obvious alternative site.
§ Mr. SkeetIs my hon. Friend aware that the Caravan Act, 1968, is no answer to an action of trespass? Is he further aware that the view locally is that the Minister is proving insensitive to the hardship and difficulty that has been created by these people, who have been there for two months? May we have an assurance that he will come to the site and speak to the local people?
§ Mr. GilmourI am fully aware of the feelings of both my hon. Friend and his constituents but he must appreciate that forced removal of the gipsies would merely transfer the problem as well as cause hardship to the gipsy families; and it is the responsibility of the county council to provide an alternative site.