§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many registered boat dwellers there are in the United Kingdom(a) currently and (b) 10 years ago; and whether this figure is expected to increase.
§ Sir George YoungThis information is not held centrally.
§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to bring forward legislation to provide boat dwellers with long-term security of tenure.
§ Sir George YoungWe have no plans to introduce legislation providing statutory security of tenure for houseboat dwellers. Their rights will depend on the terms of any agreement with the landlord of the mooring.
§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to extend the tenants charter to boat dwellers.
§ Sir George YoungThe tenants charter applies only to those resident in council-owned property. While we would encourage the development of good practice, it is for the owners and operators of moorings to consider whether to follow the Government's citizens charter route in developng their service standards for boat dwellers.