HC Deb 26 January 1972 vol 829 cc1365-6
2. Mr. Laurance Reed

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many gipsy sites have been provided up to September, 1971.

3. Mr. Madel

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many local authorities have not prepared sites for gipsies.

The Minister for Local Government and Development (Mr. Graham Page)

I would refer my hon. Friends to the reply given in answer to a Question by my right hon. Friend the Member for Chislehurst (Dame Patricia Hornsby-Smith) on 21st January.—[Vol. 829, c. 284–5.]

Mr. Reed

Is my hon. Friend satisfied that local authorities are acting with sufficient speed to provide areas for gipsy encampments? Is he satisfied, too, that the Gipsy Council is doing all that it might to promote closer co-operation with local authorities to try to avoid the difficulties that arise?

Mr. Page

I cannot be satisfied that this matter is being dealt with as speedily as I should like it to be, but I realise the difficulties with which local authorities are faced because of objections from local residents in the neighbourhood of the sites. So far 42 sites have been established, and I think that good progress is being made.

Mr. Madel

Does my hon. Friend agree that when gipsy sites are constructed they make for better relations between gipsies and the local community, as gipsies then have a definite place of residence, rather than having to wander around? Will my hon. Friend therefore push local authorities to construct sites as soon as possible?

Mr. Page

I am doing that by as much persuasion as I can. Well-equipped, controlled sites are the only practical alternative to the squalid, unauthorised encampments which cause such a nuisance.

Mr. Roy Hughes

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the feeling is still abroad that insufficient speed is being shown in the provision of sites? One does not wish to discriminate against gipsies, but the fact has to be faced that they cause considerable annoyance and inconvenience to residents in the area.

Mr. Page

I hope that local authorities will take note of these Questions and the answers and will proceed as quickly as possible with the provision of sites. The great advantage to a county borough if it sets up 15 sites is that it can take all the necessary powers to clear unauthorised sites.

Mr. Tom Boardman

Is my hon. Friend aware that many ratepayers object to paying for parking space for itinerant scrap merchants, who are distinct from genuine gipsies?

Mr. Page

We are having consultations on the question of possible grants in respect of genuine gipsies.