§ Mr. Stanbrookasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the estimated number of gipsy caravans in England and Wales for which Part II of the Caravan Sites Act 1968 requires local authorities to provide permanent sites; what is the estimated total number of sites already provided and proposed, respectively; and what proposals he has with regard to the balance of caravans for which there are no existing or proposed sites.
§ Mr. Graham PageSixty-three sites with a total of 907 pitches have so far been provided in England and a further 102 sites with a total of 1,577 pitches are proposed. The information which is available does not enable a firm estimate to be made of the number of gipsy caravans for which sites are required but it is evident that the sites so far provided are inadequate for needs.
The Department will shortly be holding meetings with local authorities in England in order to encourage them to make further and quicker progress in fulfilling their duty to provide accommodation for the gipsies in their area.
The question of provision in Wales is a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.