Mr. Mark Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he intends to take to deal with the problems faced by permanent residents in mobile homes.
§ Mr. CroslandI have asked my hon. Friend the Member for Manchester, Ardwick (Mr. Kaufman) to conduct an urgent departmental review of these problems. This is being undertaken with the agreement of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales. The terms of reference are
To review, in consultation with interested bodies, the problems of mobile home residence and the contribution that mobile homes make towards meeting the nation's housing needs: in particular, to consider the relevant legislative provisions as they affect site owners and residents; the planning considerations involved; the terms and conditions on which pitches are let; and the problems of charges, security of tenure and ownership of mobile homes which may arise: and to advise the Secretary of State on legislative or other action which should be considered.My hon. Friend will carry out the review within my Department. Other Departments with responsibilities in this field, notably those of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, 149W my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales, and my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Trade and the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection will be be associated with it as necessary.
My hon. Friend will also be seeking views from interested outside bodies, and in particular will take into account the continuing negotiations between representatives of mobile home dwellers and site operators over a possible model site agreement.
The review will not be directed at problems specific to the accommodation of gipsy families or to holiday caravans. Some of the work done may, however, be helpful in the consideration of the type of problems arising on holiday sites, and my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Trade and the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection will therefore be keeping in close touch with the progress of the review.