§ 10. Mr. ASHLEYasked the First Commissioner of Works whether De Keyser's Royal Hotel, Victoria Embankment, is to be taken over for a Government Department; if so, for what Department; what will be the cost of fitting it up; and what will be the annual rent?
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Mr. Harcourt)The hotel in question has been taken over for occupation by the Aeronautical Department of the War Office. No estimate of cost of adaptation has yet been framed. The premises have been requisitioned under the Defence of the Realm Act, and the question of compensation will, therefore, be settled by the Commission especially appointed to deal with such cases.
§ Mr. ASHLEYDoes the right hon. Gentleman wish the House to understand that no accommodation of a less expensive character is to be obtained near the War Office than this enormous hotel?
§ Mr. HARCOURTYes, that is so.