§ 108. Mr. STURROCKasked the First Commissioner of Works whether he can state how many hotels in the Metropolitan area are still retained as Government offices; how many have been restored for public use since 11th November, 1918; and how many more he hopes to liberate before 31st December, 1919?
§ Mr. PRATT (Lord of the Treasury)Fifteen hotels are still retained as Government offices in the Metropolitan area. No hotels have been restored for public use since the 11th November, 1918, but 753 the Hotel Victoria has been vacated by the Government staff which has occupied it, and arrangements are proceeding as speedily as possible for its reinstatement as a hotel. Carter's Hotel, Albemarle Street, is to be vacated immediately. The Hotel Cecil will be vacated within two or three months, and the Grand Hotel a little later. I am unable to say how many hotels are likely to be vacated before the 31st December next, as this depends upon the rate of the diminution of the War staffs occupying these premises, a matter entirely beyond my control.