§ Mr. Hunterasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when his Department will put in hand the review of policy for the provision of gipsy sites recommended by the Environment Committee.
§ Mr. TraceyA consultation letter and memorandum has today been issued to local authority associations and other interested bodies in England. Similar arrangements are being made by the Welsh Office to consult local authority and other interests in Wales. I have also written to a number of hon. Members who have shown a particularly close interest in this subject in recent months, including my hon. Friend. Copies of the documents are being placed in the Library and in the Vote Office. I am aware that the slow progress on site provision is to a large extent a reflection of some difficult problems that local authorities have had to face. However, I am very anxious that the opportunity should be taken by those consulted not only to give their views on the main difficulties experienced by them, but also to put forward constructive and workable suggestions for dealing with these problems so that the review we are undertaking may have a fruitful and positive outcome.