HC Deb 06 November 1972 vol 845 cc596-7
2. Mr. John

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he will order a review of the problems of residential caravan residents in Wales.

The Minister of State, Welsh Office (Mr. David Gibson-Watt)

My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment and I keep the problems of residential caravan dwellers generally under constant review.

Mr. John

Does not the Minister realise that there is great anxiety upon these three sites about a number of matters—security of tenure, the ways in which people may dispose of their caravans when they move away and the terms upon which they may do so? Does he not think that the limpness of his answer betokens his general nerveless grasp of Welsh Affairs?

Mr. Gibson-Watt

I do not think that the last part of that question is worth a reply. The National Federation of Site Operators and the National Mobile Homes Residents Association are in the process of drawing up a mutually acceptable model site agreement and the Government are in touch with the parties.

Mr. Gower

Is my hon. Friend aware that the existing law, which results from the 1968 Act, passed by the Labour Government, is deemed by many people living on the residential site at Rhoose, in Glamorgan, to be somewhat inadequate to deal with the difficult problems which they encounter when they have invested rather heavily not only in the caravans but in the improvement of the sites around them? Will he look at that aspect of the matter?

Mr. Gibson-Watt

I take the point. The Caravan Sites Act, 1968, gives some protection. We take the view that new legislation would be likely to dry up the supply of new sites and would not be in the long-term interests of caravan residents, but I will certainly continue to look at the matter.

14. Mr. Gower

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what representations concerning the use of the land he has received from or on behalf of residents at Court Farm Caravan site, Rhoose, Glamorgan; and what steps he will take to assist them.

Mr. Gibson-Watt

Four hon. Members have written about the circumstances of the residents. I have also received representations from other sources. As my hon. Friend knows, court proceedings are pending and, therefore, I can make no comment on the situation until they are concluded.

Mr. Gower

Will my hon. Friend take into account that the possible closure of this site will create emergency conditions over and above the sort of housing needs for which the local authority should reasonably be expected to cater? To that extent, it is possible that help may be available from the Department to the local authority to enable it to meet this emergency need?

Mr. Gibson-Watt

The Cardiff Rural District Council is empowered under Section 24 of the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act, 1960, to provide sites for permanent caravan dwellers, and compulsory powers are available to it. It also has powers as a housing authority.