§ 41. Mr. Bill Walkerasked the Solicitor-General for Scotland what instructions his Office has issued to the procurator fiscal of Perth in the matter of the illegal parking on public property of caravans.
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandNo special instructions on this matter have been issued to the procurator fiscal at Perth. As my hon. Friend will know, all procurators fiscal have been directed by my noble and learned Friend the Lord Advocate to report to the Crown Office for the instructions of Crown counsel any case reported to them involving unauthorised camping by travelling people.
§ Mr. WalkerI thank my hon. and learned Friend for that reply. He will be aware that around the city of Perth considerable encampments have caused trouble and aggravation. Will he assure the House that that situation will not be allowed to continue and that he will encourage his colleagues in the Scottish Office to give the go-ahead for the two permanent sites for travelling people, which are urgently awaited in the city of Perth?
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandAs my hon. Friend recognises, the provision of funds for such sites is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State. However, it is correct to say that proceedings may not be taken if there are no alternative sites available in the area. Once sites have been provided, the Crown Office's instruction—which my hon. Friend finds objectionable—has a good chance of being reversed.