Caravan Sites Act, 1968

HC Deb 23 February 1972 vol 831 c1274

27. Mr. Doig

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will introduce legislation to extend the Caravan Sites Act, 1968, to include Scotland.

Mr. Younger

I have no evidence that this is necessary: if the hon. Gentleman has such evidence I should be grateful if he would send it to me.

Mr. Doig

Is the Minister aware that hundreds, if not thousands of families have their homes now on wheels, living on caravan sites? These people are entitled to the same protection and security of tenure as people who live in permanent houses.

Mr. Younger

I am aware that many people live on caravan sites, regarding them as more or less permanent homes, at least for long periods. But we have received no evidence that there is any widespread problem of harassment or any signs of other problems in caravan sites in Scotland. In 1968 when the English Act was passed, local authority associations were consulted in Scotland and, except for the District Councils Association, they saw no need for legislation.