Written question asked by David Leslie Taylor (Labour) on Tuesday, 20 November 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 26 November 2007. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Thursday, 29 November 2007 on behalf of the Home Office.

Illegal Encampments

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent representations she has received on the adequacy of police powers to tackle illegal encampments; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: [holding answer 26 November 2007]: The Government are working with a number of key stakeholders to address public concerns about problems relating to unauthorised encampments through the Task Group on Site Provision and Enforcement for Gypsies and Travellers set up in 2006, chaired by Sir Brian Briscoe. The Task Group is currently finalising its report to Ministers, which is expected to be published before the end of the year. The Interim Task Group report published in March 2007 was clear that effective enforcement against unauthorised sites will only be possible when there is appropriate provision of authorised sites.

Secondary information