HC Deb 27 November 1973 vol 865 cc104-5W
Dame Patricia Hornsby-Smith

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the estimated number of regular caravan dwellers not on permanent sites ; and of these, what proportion is estimated to be genuine Romanies whose normal mode of life this is.

Mr. Graham Page

It is estimated that there may be over 4,000 gipsy families in England and Wales. About 1,000 of these can be accommodated on permanent sites provided by local authorities and an unknown number are on private, licensed sites. Many more local authority sites are clearly needed.

No distinction can be made between Romanies and other persons of nomadic habit of life.