§ Mr. Newensasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what is the latest estimate for the gipsy and travelling population of England and Wales as a 481W whole, the number of separate families, and the total number of places on authorised sites which are known to exist;
(2) if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of each county in England and Wales showing the number of places which have been provided on authorised sites for gipsies and other travellers and estimates of the needs for future provision of such sites.
§ Mr. John SilkinReliable estimates of the numbers of gipsies at present in England and Wales are not available. It seems likely, however, that there are something approaching 5,000 families—20–25,000 persons. Over 100 sites have been provided by local authorities, accommodating about 1,400 families. But more detailed and up-to-date figures of sites provided and proposed have been requested from authorities recently. I shall be pleased to supply my hon. Friend with this information when it is to hand.
It is, of course, for each site-providing authority to assess its precise needs, but it is clear that many more sites are still needed in most counties.
§ Mr. Newensasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will issue a circular to all local authorities about the introduction of a provision on their housing allocation schemes which will enable those gipsy and travelling families which wish to qualify for housing to do so.
§ Mr. KaufmanLocal authorities have already been advised that no one should be precluded from applying or being considered for a tenancy, on any ground whatsoever.
There are, however, many aspects of the gipsy problem on which advice to local authorities could well be useful: these will be examined by an Advisory Officer on Gipsy Encampments who will be appointed to the Department very shortly. We will then consider further what action to take.