HC Deb 06 November 1950 vol 480 cc581-2
27. Colonel Stoddart-Scott

asked the Minister of Works if he has yet granted a licence for the repair of Huddersfield Town's grandstand; and how much money he has permitted to be spent upon this project.

Mr. Stokes

Licences totalling £14,000 have now been issued for the reinstatement of Huddersfield Town's grandstand.

Colonel Stoddart-Scott

How is it that the Minister can agree to grant a licence like that but declines a licence for the Ilkley war memorial?

Mr. Stokes

Probably the same material is not involved. Perhaps I should tell the House that, when the complete embargo on replacements for recreational purposes was lifted, it was thought right, in certain of the towns where football grounds had been completely blitzed, that a certain amount of money should be made available for this purpose. This was done with the utmost discretion, and Huddersfield Town happens to be one of the clubs which benefit.

Mr. Nally

In view of the Huddersfield Town club's absolutely appalling record, would it not have been better if they had spent this money on buying some decent players?

Mr. Stokes

I must leave my hon. Friend to fight that out with certain of his hon. Friends below the Gangway.

Colonel Stoddart-Scott

Surely the right hon. Gentleman appreciates that the Ilkley War Memorial is to take the form of shelters for old people. As that is a form of recreational facility, would he not reconsider the matter?

Mr. Stokes

Now that my attention has been drawn to the question, I will certainly look into it.