HC Deb 13 July 1972 vol 840 c1838
22. Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will reconsider her allocation of funds to the London Borough of Brent for youth centres, and in particular, the amount available for the proposed youth centre for handicapped youngsters, in view of recent representations.

Mr. van Straubenzee

My right hon. Friend has only just received representations from the authority for an increased allocation. This will be considered sympathetically on its merits together with similar requests from other authorities.

Mr. Pavitt

In that consideration, will it beborne in mind that Wormwood Scrubs is on the border of my constituency and that the more youth clubs we can have, the fewer people we shall have in Wormwood Scrubs? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the centre mentioned in my Question is part and parcel of an endeavour by the disabled people in my community to do something for youth, and that there is a special reason why the money should be allocated?

Mr. van Straubenzee

I tried to frame my answer in as sympathetic a way as possible. I have looked at the authority's proposals. The hon. Gentleman will know that it has put as its first priority the Roundwood boys' club project, which is obviously a very good one, but I clearly see that the one in which the hon. Gentleman is interested is of considerable worth.