HC Deb 16 December 1958 vol 597 cc928-9
15. Mr. Gibson

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what decision he has given on a proposal for the building of a community centre in the Hatfield new town, attached to a public house which is to be financed and built by a brewery company as one building; and what is his policy on the development of community centres in new towns.

Mr. H. Brooke

I have approved the proposal mentioned in the first part of the Question. In answer to the second part, I am anxious to see the provision of community centres in the new towns, and I would expect that they would as a rule be provided, as they are elsewhere, either by local authorities or by private organisations and individuals.

Mr. Gibson

Is the Minister aware that the agreement which he admits having made for the building of what is called a community centre attached to a public house is strongly opposed by a large body of public opinion? Is he further aware that experience shows that community centres have to be kept away from public houses if they are to be successful? Will he not reconsider his decision and tell the brewers in Hatfield that they cannot have permission to build an imitation community centre attached to a public house?

Mr. Brooke

Frankly, this seemed to be a public-spirited experiment. There were precisely four objections levelled against it. A local inquiry was held and, as a result, it seemed to me desirable to give approval.

Mr. Mitchison

Is it not about time that the Government did this job out of their own finances instead of going cap in hand to a brewery which will make a pretty penny out of the proceeds?

Mr. Brooke

No, I do not hold the Socialist view that the State should never receive any assistance from the public.

Mr. J. Griffiths

What does the right hon. Gentleman mean by "experiment"? Is it an experiment that a community centre should be turned into a public house?

Mr. Brooke

I do not know whether the right hon. Gentleman is as closely acquainted with this matter as I am, but I am sure that generally my decision has given satisfaction in the locality.