Oral Answers to Questions — British Army – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 12 June 1945.
asked the Secretary of State for War why it is necessary to repair the Harringay arena, in view of the fact that it has been capable of use by the military since it was damaged by enemy action a year ago, and can still be used for the temporary period for which it will be required.
Is it not a fact that the stores which have been removed have been adequately warehoused and that, as soldiers have been billeted, there really is not the need for repair that there is for repair of the houses in the neighbourhood?
Sir J. Griģģ:
If soldiers have been billeted, presumably they are taking up space which would otherwise be available for accommodation. What I am assured is that it is an economical matter, both as regards the custody of the stores and as regards accommodation generally, that this building should be repaired. Any idea that it is being repaired in order to provide facilities for dog racing, or whatever it is, is not justified.
As the right hon. Gentleman should know, as he is responsible for the part of the Army that is there, the arena is not used for dog racing. Is he aware that in the locality, which has been badly damaged by blitz, there is very high feeling because they believe that shortly it will be released from the Army and will be used for a sports arena?
They have fallen.
If that is the case, why is it being repaired?