§ Mr. Dodsworthasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will investigate the health risks arising out of the encampment of gipsies at Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire, on land in his ownership; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will investigate with urgency all possible steps which can be taken to remove the gipsy encampment in Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire, from land in his ownership; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John SilkinMy officials have already had discussions with the local authorities, who have the statutory duty to accommodate these families and who must decide what is the best course of action. The Department will co-operate fully, either in measures to reduce the nuisance, or in securing the removal of the families if the local authorities will find a more suitable site. Any risk to public health is a matter for the district council.