HC Deb 05 November 1975 vol 899 cc385-7
11. Mr. Bryant Godman Irvine

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to amend the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960 by adding a requirement before a licence is given to a caravan site that the electrical installation must be of such a standard that it will create no hazard to life.

Mr. John Silkin

One of the aims of the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960 is to ensure that caravan sites are properly equipped and run. Accordingly, local authorities have the power to attach wide-ranging conditions to site licences. When they are deciding what conditions to impose they must have regard to the model standards specified by my right hon. Friend. A model standard with respect to the electrical installation on caravan sites is being prepared as a matter of urgency.

Mr. Godman Irvine

Is the Minister aware of a tragedy in my constituency when an eight-year-old girl was electrocuted on such a site? Is he further aware that the Rother District Council was advised by his Department that it would be exceeding its powers if it took steps to attach conditions of electrical safety to a licence? Will he therefore speed up the steps that he is taking so that this matter can be dealt with?

Mr. Silkin

I promise that I shall do my best to speed this matter. There must be discussions with the Secretary of State for Energy. I share the hon. Gentleman's concern. I understand that there are two fatalities a year as a result of faulty electrical installations on caravan sites. I shall see that we get a move on.

Mr. Wells

Is my right hon. constituent aware, from knowledge of conditions in his village, that he is talking utter nonsense? The entire problem, as the Minister will know from his personal experience, is that the nomadic population is rising much more sharply than the house-dwelling population. Far more sites of a lower and simple standard are required. That is what the bona fide nomad wants. He wants a water pipe, clean water, and not much else Does the Minister agree that this discussion of electricity is rubbish? Will the Minister amend the regulations and provide more sites?

Mr. Silkin

The hon. Gentleman, for whom I regret I did not vote on two occasions, should get together with his hon. Friend the Member for Rye (Mr. Godman Irvine), whose Question referred mainly to holiday sites.

Mr. Wigley

Is the Minister aware of the difficulties encountered by many local authorities in monitoring small sites, especially those on farms of over five acres that operate for 28 days per year? Would it be helpful if owners of such sites had to state for which 28 days of the year they were applying so that at least some measuring rod could be applied to the sites when in operation?

Mr. Silkin

That is an interesting suggestion. I shall consider it and write to the hon. Gentleman.