HC Deb 17 February 1953 vol 511 cc1043-4
2. Mr. Bence

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total authorisation for capital reconstruction which has been made under the war damage allocation to the Burgh of Clydebank for the period 1953.

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Commander T. D. Galbraith)

None, Sir.

Mr. Bence

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the people of Clydebank feel a grave sense of injustice at the fact that the blitzed towns of England and Wales have been allocated sums of money varying from £50,000 to £400,000, when Clydebank suffered more damage, proportionately, than many of them? Clydebank has had many of its halls battered down and permission to construct new ones has been refused. Why cannot we get these things done when large sums have been allocated to other blitzed cities? Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman use his influence with the Treasury to get an early allocation of money for the people of Clydebank?

Commander Galbraith

I am aware of the situation, but the position of Clydebank is quite different from that of cities which have received additional allocations for the purpose of rebuilding— in that Clydebank had a large number of houses destroyed whereas the other cities, for which provision is being made, suffered from the loss of large shopping centres and similar amenities. The housing position is covered by the normal housing allocation.

Mr. Bence

Clydebank also suffered losses in regard to public buildings. The Clydebank Burgh Band—one of the finest bands in Scotland—lost their hall, which would cost only £7,000 to rebuild, and they cannot get it replaced. The workmen's hostel was destroyed, as were the Co-operative shopping premises. Many halls have been destroyed in Clydebank, and with our success in rehousing it is essential for an increased allocation to be made to enable the authorities to rebuild these other amenities.

Commander Galbraith

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that these matters are all under consideration. I am sure he would not place the hall of the Clydebank Burgh Band in the same category as essential shopping facilities in other towns.

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