HC Deb 20 March 1951 vol 485 cc2289-90
43. Mr. Murray

asked the Minister of Works in view of the fact that Leagues of Youth and other organisations in the Crook area, County Durham, are at pre sent unable to find suitable meeting places and that there are vacant Nissen huts belonging to his Department which will soon become useless unless they are disposed of, if he will now arrange for the sale of these huts.

Mr. Stokes

I assume that my hon. Friend refers to huts at the former Miners' Hostel, Crook, part of which, after it had been occupied by squatters, was- taken over by the local authority as a temporary housing estate. Last week the local authority asked my Department to dispose of a number of huts which have become vacant and these will be sold in competition. Any interested bodies will then have the opportunity to bid.

Mr. Murray

Is the Minister aware that his reply will give great satisfaction to the young people in the Crook area, because they have been wanting these huts and have been dissatisfied about the waste of public money in this connection? Can the Minister state when this is likely to take place?

Mr. Stokes

No. As I explained to my hon. Friend in my answer. I was only asked to tackle the job a week ago and we are, as usual, acting with great expedition.