§ Mr. Templeasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he is aware that the model standards for residential and holiday caravan sites laid down by him are being interpreted too rigidly by some local authorities, particularly as regards sanitary provision, and that a sufficient period is not always given for effecting improvements; and whether, in order to avoid undue hardship, he will give further guidance to local authorities on this matter.
§ Mr. H. BrookeThe model standards are intended as a general guide, to be applied with discretion and in the light of particular circumstances; they should be used to bring the bad site up to a satisfactory standard, but not to penalise the site which is already satisfactory. Where further works are required, I should expect a reasonable period to be given for carrying them out.
As regards holiday sites, the model standards apply only to those in continuous use, as distinct from occasional or week-end sites. I should hope that the standards for sanitary facilities on sites would be applied with due regard to the facilities likely to be provided within the caravans themselves.
I have no reason to think that these points are not generally understood by local authorities, and there is of course a right of appeal to the magistrates in particular cases. I am however keeping the matter under review and will be prepared 86W after a few months' more experience to issue further guidance to the local authorities should this seem to be required.