§ 11. Mr. Whiteheadasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if he will make a statement on his discussions about consumer practices in relation to the sale and provision of sites for holiday caravans.
§ Mr. John FraserI recently had discussions with the National Federation of Site Operators and the managing director 954 of Trellis Scott Ltd. I informed the House on 23rd February, in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Derby, North (Mr. Whitehead), of assurances given to me by Mr. Dunstan. These assurances will hopefully bring some relief, in particular to those licensees whose caravans are still at Dinas and who either have decided not to take up a lease or are still undecided.
§ Mr. WhiteheadI thank my hon. Friend for his prompt intervention in the Trellis Scott affair. Does he agree that the caravan owner who faces a local site monopoly, particularly when there is a change of control as there was in the Trellis Scott affair at Dinas, needs additional protection of tenure? Is not the time right for legislation?
§ Mr. FraserI agree that the root of the matter is the absence of security of tenure. It is important to get legislation right. Loopholes have been found in the Mobile Homes Act. I hope that, in consultation with the Department of the Environment, proposals will be put forward reasonably quickly.