HC Deb 09 December 1954 vol 535 c1104
31. Mr. Crouch

asked the Minister of Education if he is now able to make a statement with regard to grants for village halls.

Sir D. Eccles

As I told the House last week, I will now consider applications from voluntary bodies for grants towards the cost of providing a hall or community centre.

Mr. Crouch

Is the Chancellor putting any restriction upon the amount of money he can spend in connection with these grants? Further, will he expedite the granting of permission as much as possible—because difficulties have arisen in obtaining planning permission as well as permission from him for the grant of the money—so that we can get some halls built before next winter?

Sir D. Eccles

The general rate of grant will be 33⅓ per cent., and as soon as the applications come forward I shall deal with them.

Mr. Collins

Can the Minister say whether grants will apply only to village halls to be built, or can anything be done if applications are received from villages in respect of halls which have already been built, but in respect of which a heavy mortgage is still outstanding?

Sir D. Eccles

I think not. I think they apply only to new buildings.