asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many places on permanent sites in England and Wales are currently provided for itinerants.
In January 1985 there were 232 gipsy sites run by local authorities in England providing 3,753 pitches. In addition, the count made by local authorities in July 1984 showed that some 1,748 gipsy caravans were camped on authorised private pitches. The figures for Wales can be obtained from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will provide the best estimate available for the total itinerant population in England and Wales.
The available information relates to caravans rather than population. In July 1984 there were 9,627 gipsy caravans in England. The figures for Wales can be obtained from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.