HC Deb 21 November 1949 vol 470 cc33-4
61. Mr. Hugh Fraser

asked the Minister of Works why he has refused to grant a licence for the rebuilding of the Theatre Royal at Hanley.

Mr. Key

Much as I sympathise with the proposal to rebuild this theatre, the present restrictions on capital investment in the miscellaneous field make it quite impossible for me to allow it.

Mr. Fraser

Why then, may I ask, has a licence been issued to the ice-drome at Blackpool, which was burned down three days after the Theatre Royal at Hanley, which provided a live theatre for over 500,000 people?

Mr. Key

So far as concerns licences already issued, the conditions when they were issued were far different from those in existence now. It is existing conditions which make it impossible for me to issue this licence.

Mr. Harold Davies

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is something more important in this than the mere allocation of steel? Does he realise that the Theatre Royal is serving an area with a population of more than 500,000, which forms an isle of industry in a sea of agriculture—[Laughter]—and is, moreover, a dollar-earning area? Irrespective of the hilarity, there is an important principle here. There is something besides bread that people want if we want them to produce.

Mr. Key

I have had many communications with the people concerned, including representatives of the local authority as well. At one time I felt that I might be in a position to allow this work to be done, and I was favourably impressed with the case that the necessary conditions existed for the work to be carried out. However, the new circumstances have made it quite impossible for me to issue the licence.

Air-Commodore Harvey

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask the Lord President of the Council to let him have a slice from the budget for the Amusement Park?

Mr. A. Edward Davies

If the Minister is in this position in regard to the economic difficulties of the country, will he consider, if he cannot agree to the whole scheme, protecting the existing property left after the fire, as otherwise there will be great deterioration?

Mr. Key

If propositions with regard to that are put to me, I shall give them very great consideration.

Mr. Fraser

In view of the utterly unsatisfactory reply on this subject, I beg to give notice that I propose to raise the matter on the Adjournment.