HC Deb 01 August 1962 vol 664 cc571-2
24. Mr. E. L. Mallalieu

asked the Secretary of State for War for what purposes his Department is using the former ordnance depot in Cottage Beck Road, Scunthorpe; what proposals he has received from the interested bodies concerned for its transfer and use as a sports centre for young people; and if he will make a statement.

The Under-Secretary of State for War (Mr. James Ramsden)

This depot is surplus to Regular Army requirements. Part of the site will be used by the Territorial Army and the rest will be transferred to the General Post Office if terms are agreed. My right hon. Friend has not received any proposals for its use as a sports centre for young people.

Mr. Mallalieu

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether this has been transferred already to the Post Office? Is he aware that I was today informed at the headquarters of the Post Office that this was not the case? Is he further aware that the highest authorities on physical education in the Ministry of Education believe that this is a perfect building for a youth sports centre, and would it not be a tragedy to use it for storing Post Office material? Will the hon. Gentle- man see that nothing is done until he has received the views of the Scunthorpe Borough Council, the local education authority and the county education authority, all of whom want this building transferred to the Borough of Scunthorpe for the use of the youth in the locality?

Mr. Ramsden

I am aware of the hon. and learned Gentleman's views and those of his constituents. It is part of our normal disposal procedure that surplus buildings have first to be offered to other Departments to see if they have need for them. The Post Office has indicated a need. The transfer to the G.P.O. is not finally setttled and if it does not go through we should gladly consider other proposals.

Mr. Mallalieu

Will the hon. Gentleman assure me that nothing final will be done until he has heard those views at the earliest possible moment?

Mr. Ramsden

That is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Postmaster-General whose Department has indicated its interest.