§ Mr. Murphyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will consider introducing legislation to relax the provisions relating to the eviction of gipsies;
(2) if he will introduce legislation to facilitate the eviction of gipsies.
§ Mr. MacfarlaneThe specific powers of eviction applicable to gipsies are those available when an area is designated under section 12 of the Caravan Sites Act 1968. In general these can be obtained when my right hon. Friend can be satisfied that adequate provision is made for the accommodation of gipsies in the area to be designated. Measures we introduced in 1980 simplified the eviction procedures and established a system of Exchequer capital grants to help authorities to provide sites. I have no current plans for further amendments.
Questions regarding trespass in general are matters for my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department.