HC Deb 17 January 1984 vol 71 c215W
Mr. John David Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what is the present estimate of the number of itinerants in Northern Ireland;

(2) what is the estimated percentage of itinerants in Northern Ireland who were born in the Republic of Ireland.

Mr. Chris Patten

At the last count made in June 1984 there were some 680 itinerant men, women and children in Northern Ireland. Of these, it is estimated that 28 per cent. were born in the Republic of Ireland, the majority having resided in Northern Ireland for more than 16 years.