§ 9. Mr. Millanasked the Secretary of State for War if he will release the ground at Dumbreck Road and Dumbreck Avenue, Glasgow, to Glasgow Corporation for housing purposes.
§ Mr. MillanIs the Under-Secretary aware that Glasgow Corporation has been interested in acquiring this site for housing purposes since 1950 and that the War Office has had it since 1954 but has done nothing positive with it in connection with a T.A. centre? Is he aware that this site is in one of the most desirable parts of Glasgow, admirable for housing purposes? As the corporation is willing to provide an alternative site similarly accessible to population in the new housing areas if it can get this site, would he look at this matter again and get someone in the War Office to visit the site and see how inappropriate it is for T.A. purposes and how excellent it would be for the corporation's housing purposes?
§ Mr. KirkThis is the most appropriate site we know of. The other sites which Glasgow Corporation has offered us do not seem to be as good, but if it will make us a fresh offer I will certainly look into it.
§ Mr. MillanCan I assure the hon. Gentleman that there are other sites equally suitable for T.A. purposes which are available? Does it not seem a monstrous use of this site, which is not particularly desirable for T.A. purposes? Will he, as he has promised, look at this again very carefully?
§ Mr. KirkCertainly. I have given the assurance that if Glasgow Corporation will approach us again, we will look at it again.
§ Mr. PagetIs not this a pretty general problem? Have not the War Office a whole series of sites throughout the country which are not being used to the best profit? Is it not time that property utilisation generally was considered by someone with experience of the utilisation of property?
§ Mr. KirkThat is another question, as opposed to the question about the specific site. The hon. and learned Gentleman will be aware that our building programme has to go forward according to certain priorities.