HC Deb 11 March 1947 vol 434 cc1119-20
35. Mr. Sidney Shephard

asked the Secretary of State for War when he pro- poses to release the Territorial Drill Hall, Derby Road, Nottingham, at present occupied by the Regular Army, and hand it back to the T.A. and A.F. Associations.

The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Bellenger)

This question is now being dealt with, but I regret that I am not yet in a position to announce when it will be possible to hand over this hall to the Territorial Army and Air Force Association.

Mr. Shephard

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that correspondence between the Army authorities who are in occupation of this drill hall and his Department has been going on for over a year; and how does he suggest that the Territorial Association can start recruiting without either drill hall or officers?

Mr. Bellenger

I am afraid that problem will be fairly widespread when we start recruiting. However, it is not only my Department which is involved in this matter. I am trying to get a speedy conclusion to the negotiations.

Brigadier Prior-Palmer

In view of the latter part of the Minister's reply, will he see that drill halls throughout the country are released for this purpose at a very early date, as it is a vitally important matter?

Mr. Bellenger

Yes, Sir. I am doing my utmost to achieve that end.