34 and 35. Mr. Davidsonasked the Secretary of State for War (1) if he has considered the representations of the Parks Committee of the Glasģow Corporation regarding his Department's proposals affecting the major part of Bellahouston Park; and has he any statement to make;
(2) the expenditure involved in his Department's new proposals affecting Bellahouston Park, Glasģow; the exact nature of the new proposals; and what firms have undertaken the work.
Sir J. GriģģIt has become necessary, for military reasons, to increase very considerably the accommodation of the temporary camp at present in Bellahouston Park. The extensions are estimated to cost about £250,000. It is intended to put up the huts on a part of the park which is level, and where there are no trees. The hillside will not be cut into, and the contours of the park will not be altered. I understand that a meeting is being held to-day to consider any representations which the Glasģow Corporation may wish to put forward.
Mr. DavidsonWill the right hon. Gentleman give very careful consideration to the proposals of the representatives of the Glasģow Corporation, in view of the fact that they definitely got a promise that this park would be restored to the people as early as possible, and that the taKinģ over of this park puts considerable difficulties in the way of the people getting recreation?
Sir J. GriģģI certainly will consider any representations put forward by the Glasģow Corporation, but perhaps my hon. Friend will allow me to say that I am maKinģ no promise on the matter until I have heard them.
Mr. DavidsonWill my right hon. Friend answer the last part of the Question —what firms have already contracted for this particular work?
§ Mrs. HardieWill the right hon. Gentleman remember that Glasģow is a very congested city, with very few open spaces, and that it is a wicked thing to take away any of the open spaces that they have got?
Sir J. GriģģYes, but this happens to be about the only place suitable for dealing with a large number of returned soldiers, on their release from the Forces.
§ Mr. Neil MacleanWhy has the right hon. Gentleman not replied to an express letter on this subject which I sent him a week ago? [An HON. MEMBER: "A week ago?"] Yes, but the right hon. Gentleman usually replies much earlier than that—I will give him credit for that. Is it not the case that there are other parks, adjoining this recreational park, which would be suitable; and is it not the case that he intends to take away this park for 10 to 12 years?
Sir J. GriģģI particularly stressed the fact that it was a temporary camp. Certainly I would be no party to occupying this site for 10 or 12 years. With regard to the letter, it related, I think, to a deputation from the Glasģow City Corporation.
Mr. DavidsonI beg to give notice that, in view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.