HC Deb 13 March 1918 vol 104 cc303-4
34. Mr. GILBERT

asked the First Commissioner of Works for what purpose Arm-field's Hotel, South Place, E.C., has been taken over by the Government; what is the sum estimated to be spent on alterations of the building; is he aware that within a few hundred yards of this building a large hotel building has been empty for many months; and why this building was not taken over in preference to a going hotel business?

The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS(Sir Alfred Mond)

The hotel in question was taken over for the Metropolitan Water Board, whose offices on the Embankment were, commandeered for the use of the Air Ministry. The estimated cost of alterations is £1,400. I am aware of the existence of an empty hotel, but the necessary alterations therein would have taken too long to effect, and would have involved the use of too much labour and material.

Mr. WATT

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many hotels his Department has now commandeered?

Sir A. MOND

I should like notice of that question.