HC Deb 26 July 1982 vol 28 c422W
Mr. George Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about offers received for the buildings of the former Hamilton college of education; and when he expects to make a decision on them.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

Four offers to acquire the buildings, or part of the buildings, had been received by the closing date on 23 July. These are being urgently considered and a decision will be announced as soon as possible.

Mr. George Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what offer of assistance his Department made to Strathclyde regional council to facilitate taking over responsibility for the student residences at the former Hamilton college of education.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

When I met representatives of Strathclyde regional council on 16 June I indicated that my Department would be available to discuss with the regional council any new proposals by the council relating to the use of the hostels at Hamilton but that there was no question of a central Government subsidy. We have received no further proposals from the regional council.

Mr. George Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will consider providing financial assistance to the district councils in Lanarkshire to adapt surplus public housing for use by students requiring accommodation who would previously have found it in the student residences at the former Hamilton college of education.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

No application for financial assistance for this purpose has been submitted to my right hon. Friend. It is for the local authorities, in determining their forward programmes, to consider what priority can be given to particular categories of housing needs withal the financial resources available to them.

Mr. George Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his Department will take steps to provide accommodation for students in Lanarkshire if the student residencies at the former Hamilton college of education are closed in July.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

No. Accommodation will no longer be needed in Lanarkshire for college of education students and it is not the responsibility of the Government to provide accommodation for students of other establishments in the area.