HC Deb 26 January 1966 vol 723 cc201-2
25. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for. Scotland if he is aware of the transfer of Third Lanark football club from Cathkin Park in Glasgow to a site at East Kilbride; and what applications for planning permission for the site he has received, in view of the need to reserve this land for development to meet the needs of the citizens of Glasgow still on the waiting list for corporation houses.

Mr. Ross

I am aware that the club is negotiating with the Development Corporation. Applications for planning permission to develop the club's existing ground would go to Glasgow Corporation not to me.

Mr. Rankin

Is my right hon. Friend aware that as a result of certain doubtful intromissions which are being publicly alleged to be taking place, Glasgow Corporation is now faced with a price of £25,000 per acre for this desirable housing site as against a previous valuation of £6,000? In view of this immense inflation and the serious allegations which are now circulating about it, will my right hon. Friend have a closer look at this matter in the public interest?

Mr. Ross

I can assure my hon. Friend that I am interested in this matter, but the fact is that Glasgow Corporation has not received any applications. The matter will come to me if Glasgow Corporation seeks to amend its development plan, or refuses an application for planning permission.

Mr. Edward M. Taylor

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that there is no decision to sell the ground and that such a decision may never be made? Would he agree that if the Corporation were to acquire the ground by compulsory purchase, the price would be nothing like the figure mentioned? Would he further agree that the Corporation's interest may be largely protected by the fact that a Glasgow Labour councillor is on the board of Third Lanark and that there is also a Glasgow Labour councillor on the board or payroll of every development company interested in the site?

Mr. Ross

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that those personal references were quite unworthy of him. I explained the present position as we understand it. It is quite satisfactory at the moment and I am perfectly sure that my hon. Friend fully appreciates it.