HC Deb 31 March 1969 vol 781 cc37-8W
Mr. Farr

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will list by name those local authorities, as defined in the Caravan Sites Act of 1968, who have as yet not exercised their statutory powers to provide accommodation for gypsies as they have been empowered so to do by legislation enacted by Parliament.

Mr. Greenwood

Part II (Gypsy Encampments) of the Caravan Sites Act, 1968, has not yet been implemented, but the following 27 sites for gypsies have so far been provided by 25 authorities under existing powers contained in the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act, 1960.

ENGLAND
County Local Authority Area
Berkshire Bradfield R.D.
Wantage R.D. (temporary)
Buckingham Eton R.D.
Greater London Bromley
Havering (temporary)
Redbridge (temporary)
Hillingdon (temporary)
Hampshire Andover B.
Hartley Wintney R.D.
Ringwood and Fordingbridge R.D.
Hertford Bushey U.D.
Hertford R.D.
Hemel Hempstead B.
Kent Maidstone R.D.
Malling R.D.
Hollingbourne R.D.
Sevenoaks R.D.
Strood R.D.
Lincoln (Lindsey) Spilsby R.D.
Staffordshire Aldridge-Brownhills U.D. (temporary)
Surrey Godstone R.D.
Guildford R.D.
Sussex (East) Cuckfield R.D.
Hailsham R.D. (temporary)
Worcester Bromsgrove R.D.

WALES
County Local Authority Area
Carmarthen Llanelli B.
Monmouthshire Nantyglo and Blaina U.D.C.

Mr. Farr

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many local authorities, as designated in the Caravan Sites Act of 1968, have exercised the powers granted to them in relation to providing adequate accommodation for gypsies.

Mr. Greenwood

25 local authorities—4 London boroughs, 2 county councils and 19 district councils—have exercised the powers given them in the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act, 1960, and have provided some sites for gypsies. Part II (Gipsy Encampments) of the Caravan Sites Act, 1968, has not yet been implemented.

Mr. Farr

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will send a circular advising local authorities on their powers in the Caravan Sites Act of 1968 to provide accommodation for gypsies where no steps have as yet been taken.

Mr. Greenwood

Local authorities have already been exhorted in several circulars to use the power they have under the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act, 1960. The latest such circular was sent on 23rd August, 1968. I do not think any further circular is needed at this stage but I will gladly consider any problems the hon. Member has in mind.