Gipsy Sites

HC Deb 17 March 1976 vol 907 cc1309-11

13. Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if the provision of additional authorised gipsy sites by local authorities is likely to be affected by cuts in public expenditure; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Silkin

All expenditure by authorities on locally determined schemes is likely to be affected by current and proposed restraints. In this situation it is for local authorities themselves to determine the priority to be accorded to any particular project.

Mr. Newens

Will not my right hon. Friend agree that the present situation in which there are insufficient authorised sites to accommodate the existing gipsy population is quite appalling and that those sites should not be affected by cuts? Is it not a fact that gipsies are discriminated against, harassed and continually moved on? This is bad not only for them but for those authorities which have shown responsibility and provided sites for this section of our community who are, after all, citizens.

Mr. Silkin

The priority given to the use of locally determined schemes is a matter for the local authorities concerned. My hon. Friend is absolutely right: this is not the most popular expen- diture for local authorities. In view of the difficulties of dealing with the gipsy question at present, I asked Mr. John Cripps, as I announced on 26th February, to initiate an inquiry into the working of the Act. Mr. Cripps will also examine the financial arrangements.

Mr. Wells

When can we expect a report? I realise that the inquiry has only just commenced, but this is a most urgent matter, particularly in the county of Kent. Kent leads the field and neighbouring counties, which do not perform so well, are very unpleasant neighbours for us. I hope that the Minister, as one of my constituents, will do his best for us.

Mr. Silkin

Much as I love Kent, I am the Minister for Planning and Local Government and there are other local authorities that are doing quite well in this area. Mr. Cripps hopes to have completed his inquiries relatively soon. That was why I asked for an inquiry rather than a working party or commission to be set up.

Mr. Rooker

Will my right hon. Friend write to Solihull District Council asking it to provide the site that it should have provided under the 1968 Act, which would obviate the need for Birmingham to provide additional sites?

Mr. Silkin

It is not for me to do anything about the Caravan Sites Act 1968. The onus rests upon the local authorities to carry out their duties. For that reason there is no possibility of my interfering unless I am asked for my advice.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that, against the advice given to him by local authorities, he has not given certain parts of London exemption? Is that not an interference with local democracy?

Mr. Silkin

One of the troubles is that although the word "exemption" appears in the 1968 Act, no one has defined the circumstances in which exemption rather than designation can be given. The result is that neither I nor my predecessors, going right back to 1968, have been able to find a case where we could give unequivocal exemption.