§ 96. Sir L. Healdasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware of the continuing existence of widespread anxiety at the present unsatisfactory state of the law and its administration in relation to caravans what steps he is taking to reconcile the 155W conflicting interests of owners of property, caravan dwellers, local residents, and the general public; and what consultations he has had, or intends to have, with the local authorities particularly concerned.
§ Mr. H. BrookeI have been considering the whole question of caravans in the light of discussions which my officers have had with interested organisations and with the local authority associations. I am keenly aware of the problems which have arisen in this connection in some parts of the country. It seems to me that the question whether a particular piece of land should be used as a caravan site is essentially one for local decision, subject to the usual rights of appeal to me. Circumstances vary widely from area to area, and different authorities, as is natural, may take different views. On the information before me I do not think that it would be appropriate for me to offer universal guidance to local authorities on the use of their planning or public health powers, or of the powers which they possess to provide caravan sites themselves. But I shall certainly be ready to consider taking up with the authority concerned any particular local problem which is brought to my notice. I have taken note of various suggestions for altering the existing law bearing on this subjects although I cannot hold out any early prospect of amending legislation.