HC Deb 14 May 1919 vol 115 cc1587-9
58. Mr. HIGHAM

asked the First Commissioner of Works if he is housing in India House staffs from the Hotel Cecil, and as a result the Shell Marketing Company and Sir Isaac Pitman, Limited, are both forced to occupy temporary quarters, and that this arrangement will be a serious charge on the taxpayer and detrimental to both of the British firms interested; and whether, in view of these facts, he will arrange to house the Hotel Cecil staffs in hutments, and so save money to the taxpayer, and give the two firms mentioned the quarters to which they are legally entitled?

The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Sir Alfred Mond)

As I informed the hon. Member in reply to a previous question, the Air Ministry staff from the Hotel Cecil are shortly to be removed to India, Canada, and Empire Houses. This will necessitate the Shell Marketing Company remaining for some further period in their present temporary premises, and Messrs. Sir Isaac Pitman and Son, Limited, will be delayed in obtaining possession of these premises, which it is understood they have acquired. This is the most economical arrangement that can be made for the housing of the Air Ministry in order to release the Hotel Cecil. The suggestion made by the hon. Member in the last part of his question is impracticable.

Mr. HIGHAM

Does the right hon. Gentleman feel that hotels should be released before business premises?

Sir A. MOND

I understand that is the general desire of the business community.

Sir N. GRIFFITHS

Is every effort being made to release not only hotels but business premises in general?

Sir A. MOND

Every effort is being made to release all possible accommodation.

59. Sir CHARLES HENRY

asked the First Commissioner of Works which hotels are likely to be released before the end of June; and if he is aware that the lack of hotel accommodation in London is generally prejudicial to the interests of the country?

Sir A. MOND

I expect to be able to release the Hotel Cecil from Government occupation before the end of June. I hope it will be possible to put into effect various schemes which I have in hand by which most of the hotels in Government occupation will be vacated. I fully appreciate the great inconvenience caused by the shortage of hotel accommodation.

Sir C. HENRY

Will the right hon. Gentleman recognise that if accommodation is curtailed the reduction of staffs will automatically take place?

Sir A. MOND

I am afraid I am responsible for providing accommodation for staffs, and not for reducing it.

60. Sir C. HENRY

asked the First Commissioner of Works if he is aware of the considerable reduction in the staff at the Windsor Hotel; and if he has made any arrangements to relinquish this hotel?

Sir A. MOND

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and steps are now being taken to utilise the surplus accommodation. The answer to the last part is in the negative.

Sir C. HENRY

For what purposes will this accommodation be used?

Sir A. MOND

To transfer other staffs.

Sir C. HENRY

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me what other staffs?

Sir A. MOND

If the hon. Gentleman will give me notice I shall be glad to do so.