§ Mr. David AtkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to enable police and local authorities to prevent the occupation of parks, sports grounds and public open spaces by travellers and for their immediate eviction; and if he will make a statement. [734]
§ Mr. DenhamBoth the police and local authorities have powers under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 to direct travellers or other trespassers to leave land when the appropriate statutory requirements are met. We have no plans to amend this legislation at present although its effectiveness is kept under review.