§ Dr. CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if officials of his Department have met representatives of the Showman's Guild to discuss planning problems; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Nicholas Ridley[holding reply 12 April]: I know of the problems encountered by some show people in finding permanent sites suitable as bases to accommodate themselves and their families and to maintain their equipment. My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary the Member for Broxbourne (Mrs. Roe) has been in touch with the local authority associations to ascertain the extent and nature of the problem, and my officials have met representatives and members of the Showmen's Guild for Great Britain. We are considering the material submitted by the associations and the guild.