HC Deb 28 October 2002 vol 391 cc520-1W
Mr. David Atkinson

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to review guidance to police forces and local authorities on unauthorised traveller encampments. [75329]

Mr. McNulty

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, in conjunction with the Home Department, will issue joint guidance on managing unauthorised camping by gypsies and other travellers by the end of the year.

In addition, the Home Office will legislate for stronger enforcement powers for the police to move on unauthorised traveller camps, providing the local authority has adequate site provision in the area.

To help facilitate local authority site provision, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has extended the 2003–04 round of the current Gypsy Sites Refurbishment grant to include funding for temporary transit and emergency stopping places.