Commons call for Dale Farm inquiry

Billericay Tory MP John Baron called on Ruth Kelly, Secretary of State for Local Government, to order an inquiry into the Dale Farm illegal encampment, at Oak Lane, Crays Hill, before making a decision over its future - due by February 28.

His call came after learning about links between the camp and other illegal sites, as well aslinks with mansions in the Irish town of Rathkeale, as revealed in the Echo's three-part special Travellers: The Truth published earlier this month.

Questioning Meg Munn, Mrs Kelly's parliamentary under secretary, Mr Baron said: "You will be aware of recently published research by the Echo newspaper, which casts doubt on traveller claims.

"On Thursday, representatives from the settled community are visiting Parliament to press for this research to be considered prior to the inquiry decision, and for a Government-led inquiry.

"In the interests of fairness, will the minister agree to a meeting with this delegation, given the department has had contact with travellers from Dale Farm?"

Mrs Munn said she would not comment while the appeal continued.

Despite Dale Farm spokesman Kathleen McCarthy admitting, during August's public inquiry, she attended talks with the department's Gypsy and Traveller Unit, Mrs Munn snubbed calls to meet residents.

She said: "There have been no meetings between ministers of this department and travellers in relation to the appeal. It would not be appropriate for a minister to meet any parties during proceedings and the member serves his constituents ill by this suggestion."

Mr Baron said afterwards: "The fact she has refused confirms, in my view, we have a Government biased in favour of the traveller community.

"Evidence of this is that they have continuously refused to speak with local residents even prior to this inquiry."

Residents will attend a meeting in Parliament tomorrow before protesting outside Mrs Kelly's office urging her to reconsider the probe.