§ 44. Mr. Lambieasked the Solicitor-General for Scotland if he is now in a position to review the non-harassment policy in respect of travelling people.
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandThere are no plans to review the policy. The position remains that the policy is linked to the achievement of local authorities in the provision of pitch targets. Once pitch targets are reached, the policy will no longer apply.
§ Mr. LambieHow can the Solicitor-General expect decent people to respect the law when the procurator fiscal in Kilmarnock is not prosecuting travelling people who break the civic government, environmental health, and road traffic Acts? Why is it that some people are above the law?
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandI have repeatedly made it clear that the non-harassment policy linked to sites relates only to trespass. None of us can be unaware of the political influence that the hon. Gentleman enjoys, at least in his own constituency. In view of the fact that the two district councils in the area that he represents have identified possible sites for travelling people, he could avoid asking me this question for the ninth or tenth time if he deployed that influence to ensure that travelling sites were established there. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland will make available considerable funds for that purpose.
§ Mr. HendersonNotwithstanding that, does my hon. and learned Friend agree that the original toleration policy was produced to meet the needs of legitimate travelling people of long standing and repute? Nowadays there are increasingly large numbers of people taking advantage of this policy, for whom it was not designed. In view of that, will my hon. and learned Friend hold discussions with his right hon. and hon. Friends in the Scottish Office to establish a register of those for whom the policy is intended, so that others may not abuse it?
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandI understand my hon. Friend's point. As he is aware, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland has an advisory committee on the travelling people in Scotland, and if my hon. Friend feels that a considerable number of people are now travelling round Scotland who did not form part of that original traditional grouping, it might be a proper matter to put to the advisory committee for consideration.
§ Mr. Ernie RossGiven the Solicitor-General's response to my hon. Friend the Member for Cunninghame, South (Mr. Lambie) will the hon. and learned Gentleman tell the House why he is opposed to Dundee district council's attempt to establish a site for travelling people within its area of responsibility?
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandBecause, as the hon. Gentleman appreciates, Angus district council has already established travelling people's sites in its area. I am not opposed to establishing a site, but there should be proper consideration of the variety of sites in Dundee, one 917 of which is in a location which, as the hon. Gentleman knows, the travelling people have already said they prefer. That would be the best solution.