HC Deb 13 December 1994 vol 251 cc598-9W
Dr. Godman

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions he has held with the representatives of travelling people in Scotland concerning those sections of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 which relate to trespass; and if he will make a statement.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

[holding answer 7 December 1994]: None. My right hon. Friend has an advisory committee on issues concerned with travelling people, on which the traveller community in Scotland are represented.

Dr. Godman

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if his advisory committee on Scotland's travelling people will draw up guidelines relating to those sections in the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 which relate to trespass; how they may be administered by local authorities and police forces; and if he will make a statement.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

[holding answer 7 December 1994]. It would not be appropriate for the advisory committee to issue guidelines on those sections of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 which relate to trespass in Scotland. The Scottish Office has, however, recently issued a guide which gives basic information on the provisions of the Act as it affects Scotland. This has been sent to chief executives of local authorities, chief constables and to other interested parties. Interpretation of the new powers on trespass is essentially a matter for the police and the courts to determine. Notwithstanding the new provisions on trespass in the Act, the policy of toleration of illegal encampments will continue to apply where local authorities have not achieved the targets set by the Secretary of State for traveller site provision.