§ Mr. SwayneTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to clarify the law in respect of gatherings of travellers on private land; and if he will make a statement. [28710]
346W
§ Mr. MichaelWe have no plans to change sections 61 and 62 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, which provides the police with the power to remove trespassers in certain circumstances. I understand that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions has no plans to change sections 77 to 79 of the Act, which provide local authorities with the power to direct unauthorised campers to leave land. In exercising the wide discretion which they have under these powers, it is important for the police and local authorities to work together. Many police forces have, or are negotiating, agreements with local authorities, and the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions is currently developing good practice guidelines for local authorities.