§ Mr. Ian TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has had representations about the lack of effectiveness in practice of the provisions of the Public Order Act 1986 in respect of preventing trespass by gipsies on unofficial sites; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggWe have received a few letters from hon. Members and others about the power given to the police in section 39 of the Public Order Act 1986 to direct groups of trespassers to leave land they have occupied. The provision applies equally to all groups of itinerants. Its use is an operational matter for the senior police officer at the scene.