§ 65. Viscount CURZONasked the First Commissioner of Works whether the Hotel Petrograd has been acquired by His Majesty's Government; and, if so, for what purpose?
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Sir Alfred Mond)The Hotel Petrograd has been taken on lease by my Department for the purpose of re-housing the Registry of Friendly Societies, which occupied a portion of the British Museum during the War.
§ Viscount CURZONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a circular has been issued to Members of Parliament stating 1894 that this hotel has been permanently acquired? Is that a fact?
§ Sir A. MONDThe hotel has been leased. The lease expires in 1951.
§ Sir A. MOND£45,000 was paid for the lease, and the ground rent is £3,850.