§ 13. Mr. Peter Millsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in view of the poor hygiene standards of lay-bys, particularly in the south-west of England, he will give general guidance to local authorities on the need for stricter con- 540 trol and adequate directions to camping sites.
§ Mr. CarmichaelNo, Sir. Local authorities are already well aware of the problem and exercise as close a supervision of lay-bys as is practicable. The abuse of lay-bys is not confined to overnight campers but is caused by a minority of general road users. New traffic signs regulations expected shortly will facilitate the more general erection by highway authorities of direction signs to licensed camping sites and caravan sites.
§ Mr. MillsWill the Minister bear in mind that although I am a keen caravanner I am not keen on people staying overnight in a lay-by, fouling the site, causing damage to agriculture by discarding bottles and tins and bringing about a rate loss? Will he please see that his Department ensures that caravanners are directed to proper sites, in the interest of all?
§ Mr. CarmichaelIn persuading caravanners to go to sites it is important to let them know where the sites are. We shall be producing regulations for new traffic signs in the near future and I hope that they will be a great help in preventing this nuisance. It is only a small minority of users of lay-bys who cause the trouble.
§ Mr. Evelyn KingIs not the trouble that in most areas there are insufficient sites? Is it not time that the Government took the decision either to use their influence to increase the number of sites or, by taxation, to reduce the number of caravans—one or the other?
§ Mr. CarmichaelLocal authorities have a responsibility for many of these sites and they are encouraged, where possible, to construct them or make them available. The Department has introduced a number of picnicking and camping sites in the vicinity of trunk roads, and in the hon. Gentleman's area extra facilities have been provided at 22 sites.