HC Deb 05 December 1961 vol 650 c138W
26 and 27. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs (1) in view of the inability of local authorities to deal satisfactorily with the hardship that modern conditions are causing to Romanies with the closing down of many of their long-established camping sites, if he will consider setting up an inter-departmental committee for the purpose of obtaining reliable information about the extent of the problem in England and Wales and then formulating a national policy in respect of living quarters, education and employment;

(2) what action he is taking to minimise the hardship and suffering that will result from the eviction of gypsies and other travellers from north west Kent, details of which have been sent to him by the honourable Member for Erith and Crayford; and what action will be taken to ensure that water and sanitation will be available for these people.

Mr. Rippon

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement I made in the course of the very full debate we had on this subject on 1st December.