§ 3. Mr. Monroasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has received the report of the working party on the future of Hampden Park; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Robert Hughes)Yes, Sir. The report's findings are directed in the first instance to the football authorities and other bodies represented on the working party. I shall consider any comments they may make to me on the recommendations of the report in the light of the views of other interested bodies and of the current economic situation.
§ Mr. MonroDoes the Minister accept that this is a quite exceptional report, both in its argument and its conclusions? Is he aware that the people of Scotland will be resentful if we do not go ahead with a national stadium and recreation centre worthy of our country? As financial resources will be very small in the next two years, will he bring together the interested parties and go ahead with the planning of this magnificent project?
§ Mr. HughesAs the hon. Gentleman says, the report is an exceptional document. It lays down, in the first instance, broad design concepts. However, as the hon. Gentleman is aware and as the House will wish to be aware, considerable public expenditure costs are involved. The major scheme would cost £15,400,000. of which the report recommends that the Government should find £6 million. Strathclyde £4,188,000, and Glasgow £4,188,000. In addition to those costs of building and construction, Glasgow and Strathclyde each would be required to find £75,000 per annum in subsidy on running costs.
1371 Having had the report for four weeks, I think that one would need to study the whole concept of the design and cost carefully. But I would certainly hope to meet the bodies concerned, once they have discussed the report, and have some preliminary discussion of it.