§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what activities are undertaken by his Department in connection with the needs of gipsies and other travellers; what are the costs to public funds; and what plans he has to expand such activities.
§ Mr. MarksThe Department's concern is with the provision of caravan sites for gypsies. The primary responsibility for this lies with local authorities, who have a duty to provide sites under Part II of the Caravan Sites Act 1968, but the Department plays an advisory and co-ordinating role. In addition, my right hon. Friend is required under the Act to850W deal with district councils' objections to site proposals and with applications for designation, and to exercise certain other functions. The costs to public funds for the current financial year are estimated at £86,000. Certain recommendations in the Cripps Report would, if implemented, involve some expansion of these activities.
§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he has taken as a result of the Cripps Report on the provision of caravan sites for gipsies; and what plans he has to amend existing legislation.
§ Mr. MarksThe report was given a wide circulation and many comments were received. My right hon. Friend is preparing his response in the light of these comments and hopes to publish it soon. A few of the report's recommendations would, if accepted, require the introduction of amending legislation. However, I cannot say at present when this might be possible.