Gypsies and Travellers

Lord Kilclooney Excerpts

Thursday 16th February 2012 Lords Chamber

[Lord Richard]

My Lords—

[Lord Kilclooney]

My Lords—

[Lord McNally]

Perhaps we could hear from the noble Lord, Lord Richard.

[Earl Attlee]

My Lords, the noble Lord is right in his analysis. The problem is to find a long-term solution, which is why I referred to the problem of economic activity. Without legitimate economic activity for Travellers, local communities will not be keen on having Traveller sites near them. That is the nub of the problem.

[Lord Kilclooney]

My Lords, during this period of consultation, will the Government look further at the apparent ease with which foreign Gypsies and Travellers enter the United Kingdom?

[Earl Attlee]

My Lords, I am not sure exactly which problem the noble Lord refers to, because there are a few, but I will communicate with him outside the Chamber.