HC Deb 26 January 1966 vol 723 cc203-4
30. Mr. Albert Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will take steps to dispose of the disused drill hall and two dwelling houses unoccupied at Woodlesford, near Leeds; and if he will see that the properties referred to and the surrounding land are handed over to the local authority.

The Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Army (Mr. Merlyn Rees)

The two houses were transferred to the Prison Department of the Home Office last August; I have asked the local authority if it wishes to purchase the drill hall.

Mr. Roberts

I congratulate my hon. Friend on his appointment and I wish him every success.

Is he prepared to expedite negotiations between his Ministry and the local authority about the purchase of the land, the drill hall and the two houses?

Mr. Rees

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his first remarks.

The situation is that the Territorial and Auxiliary Forces Association in the West Riding has offered the land and the buildings to the local authority at the district valuer's valuation. The council has expressed interest, but is not yet able to make a final decision. The two houses are not included, because they have gone to the Home Office.