§ Mr. Shersby asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from the London Boroughs Association seeking new powers for local auathorities to deal with unauthorised camping by gipsies and to reduce the cost of control and remedial measures; if he will introduce legislation to enable local authorities to avoid unnecessary and substantial expenditure on such measures; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Macfarlane:Only last year, after consultation with the local authority associations enhanced powers for 295W dealing with unauthorised gipsy settlements were enacted in the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980. We have no proposals for fresh legislation at present. I continue a seek discussions with the chairman of the London Boroughs Association to determine how, in the light of this new legislation, a programme for the adequate provision of gipsy accommodation in the London boroughs can be provided, so that the problems of unauthorised camping by gipsies in London may be resolved.