HC Deb 29 January 2002 vol 379 cc170-1W
16. Mr. David Atkinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if the Bellwin scheme to reimburse councils for emergency expenditure applies to the cost of cleaning sites used by travellers following unauthorised occupation of public parks and open spaces. [28451]

Mr. Raynsford

A Bellwin scheme of emergency financial assistance may be activated to help a local authority with uninsurable clear-up costs following a disaster or emergency that involves destruction of, or danger to, life or property. My Department gives full consideration to any proposals for the activation of a scheme. To date there have been no claims for costs of cleaning sites used by travellers following unauthorised occupation of public parks and open spaces.