§ Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment 380W what steps he is taking to retain for the use of the Haringey Sports Council the former Territorial Army Drill Hall at Tottenham.
§ Mr. Eldon GriffithsWhen the Drill Hall became surplus in 1967, a number of possible uses were considered, including that of a local authority sports centre. In 1968 it was allocated to the Department of Health and Social Security for conversion into a reception centre for homeless single men and a re-establishment centre. In April, 1970 the Haringey Sports Council were given permission to use the buildings as a temporary sports centre while detailed plans were being prepared for its conversion.
In view of the social and recreational value now being derived from the local sports council's use of the hall, my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for the Environment, has agreed to re-open the question of its future use, and has allowed the Sports Council to continue the use of the hall up till next March. I have asked the Haringey Borough Council to join with my Department during the intervening period in a search for alternative premises for the reception centre. If the search is successful then arrangements can be made under which the Haringey Borough Council would be able to acquire the drill hall for permanent use as a sports centre; otherwise, the previous Administration's decision to convert it into accommodation for homeless people will have to stand.