HC Deb 01 February 1979 vol 961 cc1664-5
12. Mr. Bradford

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when Mount Street clinic will be made available for youth or community activities in redevelopment area 31; and what are the starting and completion dates for the floodlit football pitch also promised for this area.

Mr. Carter

Consideration has been given to leasing the Mount Street clinic for community activities but because of the high cost of putting the premises in order it has been decided to offer the property for sale on the open market. The floodlit all-weather football pitch is only a part of the facilities to be provided in nearby Ormeau park, and it is hoped that work will commence on this expensive facility in June this year. I am confident that the Belfast city council will endeavour to see the project completed as quickly as possible.

Mr. Bradford

Is the Minister aware that this area has had to exist on mere promises? It has been deprived of a proper housing scheme, and now of a proper community facility. When will a community facility be provided to meet the needs of this large housing conurbation?

Mr. Carter

I should have thought that the expenditure of £600,000 on an all-weather football pitch was an excellent example of the way in which the Government are trying to provide social facilities in South Belfast. It is not for the hon. Member to come to this House asking for more public expenditure while at the same time voting for public expenditure cuts in the United Kingdom as a whole.

Rev. Ian Paisley

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker

Order. I shall take points of order at the end of Question Time, if the hon. Gentleman will be good enough to wait until then.

Rev. Ian Paisley

rose

Mr. Speaker

It will save the time of Prime Minister's questions if the hon. Gentleman does not raise his point of order now.

Rev. Ian Paisley

Very well, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker

I am much obliged to the hon. Member.