HC Deb 15 February 1938 vol 331 cc1680-1
40. Mr. Westwood

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the names of the authorities which have submitted community centres for the approval of the Department of Health under the Housing Acts; what is the type of community centre approved; and do these centres become a charge upon the housing pool or the consolidated rate?

Mr. Elliot

Under the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1925, the Department of Health has approved the provision of community centres by the town councils of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Greenock, Kilmarnock and Kirkcaldy and I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate particulars of these centres in the OFFICIAL REPORT. No other authorities have formally submitted proposals but a number have reserved space in layout plans for the provision of community centres, or otherwise have this question under consideration. With regard to the latter part of the question, the cost of community centres, so far as provided with approval under the Act, may properly be charged against the Housing Revenue Account.

Mr. Westwood

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some of these authorities may have to abandon the community centre owing to the inadequate subsidy provided?

Mr. Elliot

That does not arise out of this question.

Particulars of Community Centres approved under the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1925.
Town Council. … Site. Type of Centre.
Edinburgh … Craigentinny House House after reconstruction to be used for accommodation of juvenile organisations and as club rooms for adolescents and adults.
Edinburgh … Niddrie Mains Recreation hut for old men. To be used also by various organisations.
Glasgow … Hamiltonhill This centre which is now established, is used for physical training classes, sewing and cooking demonstrations, lectures, gardening and football clubs and a savings bank. There is also accommodation for juvenile organisations. An extension is being made providing a new hall with workshops and a demonstration kitchen.
Glasgow … Knightswood One building is to include a library; a public hall, a swimming bath; and a sun bathing deck. Another building is to be for youth and welfare movements and to have a large central hall for meetings, physical training and concerts; one wing to be devoted to juvenile organisation work and the other to women's interests. There is also to be an administrative office for local housing matters.
Greenock … Strone Villa Strone Villa is being reconstructed as a temporary hall to be used for lectures and classes.
Kilmarnock … Knockinlaw House This house is being reconstructed to provide a small library, reading room, two games rooms, a committee room, small office, and caretaker's house.
Kilmarnock … Townholm Recreation hall to provide accommodation for games, concerts, lectures, etc.
Kirkcaldy … Strathkinnes Road Park Road. A hall at each site is proposed with accommodation for artists. The Park Road hall will also be used for recreational purposes in connection with adjoining playing fields.