§ 38. Mr. Speirasked the Minister of Education for how many years past the use of the Village Institute at Stocksfield, Northumberland, has been denied to the inhabitants of that village by reason of its compulsory requisition; and, in view of the hardship and annoyance its continued requisitioning is causing locally, when she intends to arrange for this institute to be set free for its proper use.
§ Mr. PickthornThis Institute has been held under requisition since 1941. My right hon. Friend would like to see it restored to its ordinary use, but if it were released now the supply of school meals to a large number of school children would have to be stopped.
§ Mr. SpeirBut is that not an entirely unsatisfactory answer? Without trying to apportion blame, may I ask my hon. Friend whether he does not think it is most unreasonable that the 2,000 inhabitants of this village should be denied the use of their village hall, and will he see whether steps can be taken so that it can be freed for their use in the forthcoming winter?
§ Mr. PickthornThe building is used as a central kitchen which supplies about 1,100 meals daily for 14 schools. I am informed that to build something specifically to take the place of that hall would cost £25,000 or even more. My right hon. Friend is anxiously reviewing the position in this and similar cases, and it is clear that before long some alternative arrangements should be made.
§ Mr. SpeirIn view of the unsatisfactory and discouraging nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter again at the earliest opportunity.