HC Deb 07 August 1919 vol 119 cc532-3
29. Sir HENRY DALZIEL

asked the First Commissioner of Works to state approximately the weekly charge to the State of the hotels still in Government occupation?

The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Sir A. Mond)

The weekly charge to the Government in respect of London hotels still in occupation for official purposes may be taken very approximately at £3,500. It is not possible to furnish figures for the provinces, without a vast amount of clerical labour, which I do not think would be justified.

Mr. G. TERRELL

Does that cost include the rent which the Government will ultimately be called upon to pay?

Sir A. MOND

Certainly.

Captain W. GUINNESS

Does it include the rent for the Hotel Majestic in Paris?

Sir A. MOND

No; it does not.

Mr. KENNEDY JONES

Does it include the payment which may have to be made for dilapidations?

Mr. HAILWOOD

Does the right hon. Gentleman know that the Ministry of Pensions are in negotiation, at the figure of £160,000, for an hotel in Manchester?

Sir A. MOND

The Minister of Pensions cannot possibly negotiate; that comes within my Department.

Mr. MacVEAGH

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Government is introducing a Bill this week proposing to give powers to continue the commandeering hotels?

Sir A. MOND

I am certainly aware of that.

Captain GUINNESS

Seeing this question is not limited to London—

Mr. SPEAKER

Are not hon. Members abusing their right to put supplementary questions? It is now nearly twenty minutes past three o'clock, and we have only got to Question 29.

31. Sir SAMUEL SCOTT

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is now in a position to state the date upon which the St. Marylebone new town hall will be handed back to the St. Marylebone borough council; whether any rent for the town hall has yet been paid the borough council, and, if so, what is the amount; and whether the Government intend to bear the extra charges thrown upon the ratepayers owing to the borough council being forced to find extra accommodation outside the old town hall during the occupation of the new town hall by the Ministry of Pensions?

Sir A. MOND

I still hope that, in accordance with my answer to the hon. Member's question on the 20th May last, I shall be able to release the Marylebone Town Hall within six months from that date. As regards the remainder of the question, the claim for compensation in respect of the occupation, which has been provisionally agreed with the council at an amount which includes the cost of providing extra accommodation outside the town hall, is at present before the Defence of the Realm Losses Commission, who desire to hear both parties on the provisional agreement arrived at. The date of the hearing has not yet been fixed.