HC Deb 18 April 1946 vol 421 cc2870-1
12. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, before the decision to use Latchmere House as a Borstal institution, consideration was given to the shortage of land available for building in the area; whether the Ministry of Health were consulted on this aspect of the matter; and whether he is prepared to make some of the land belonging to this property available to the Kingston - upon - Thames Council for building purposes.

Mr. Ede

The question of the use of this land for housing purposes has been fully considered in consultation with the Ministry of Health, but I regret that it is not possible to make of the land belonging to the property available for building purposes. The hon. Member will be aware from my previous statements of the urgency of the need for a new Borstal reception centre in the London area, and there is no hope of getting any place in the London area so well adapted for this purpose as Latchmere House.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, prior to the action of his Department, a compulsory purchase order had been placed on five acres of this large estate? Is it not possible for his Department, in view of the appalling housing situation in the area, to surrender five acres out of this large estate to help in housing the unhoused thousands in that area?

Mr. Ede

The compulsory purchase order was not made by the local authority before this property was handed over to me. I require the land in question for the purposes of recreational facilities for the inmates of this reception centre, and I regret that it is riot possible for me to relinquish any of the land.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Does the right hon. Gentleman really say that recreational facilities for inmates of a Borstal institution are more important than housing?

Mr. Ede

No, Sir, I have not made any such suggestion. There are other cases where houses can be built—

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

indicated dissent.

Mr. Ede

It is no use the hon. Gentleman shaking his head: I knew his constituency long before he did. It is not possible in this case, owing to the fact that it is a reception centre, to arrange the recreational facilities away from the main property.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the first opportunity of securing the Adjournment.