§ Mr. Sternasked the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his replies of 24 April, Official Report, column 467, what plans he has to reduce the gap between the number of places for itinerants on local authorities' pitches and authorised private pitches on the one hand and the number of gipsy caravans in England on the other.
§ Mr. MacfarlaneThe prime responsibility for providing sites for gipsies is placed directly upon county councils and London borough councils. Exchequer capital grants are available for providing and equipping local authorities sites. The statistics show that steady progress is being maintained in the provision of new and expanded sites and in the reduction of unauthorised camping. My Department is in constant touch with local authorities about site provision.