§ Mr. David Steelasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will consider seeking to amend existing legislation in Scotland to make it compulsory for authorities to provide sites for travelling people; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. YoungerWhile the case for legislation is kept under review, it is not my intention to change the existing approach to the provision of sites for travelling people in Scotland. Successive Administrations have preferred a policy of persuasion, coupled with the availability of grant towards the approved capital costs of site provision.
Athough Scottish local authorities have in the past found it difficult to make adequate site provision, the measures we have taken, including increasing the rate: of grant to 100 per cent., appear to be bearing fruit. Over the past three years the number of official sites for travelling people has increased from three to 10, and over 20 local authorities are currently planning official sites.